Building wealth through Real Estate: a Journey from immigrant to investor

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Building wealth through Real Estate: a Journey from immigrant to investor

Leo Szac
Investor · New York, NY · Member since 2024 · 32 posts · 24 votes

Hi everyone! 

My name is Leo, and I’m excited to join this community of real estate enthusiasts. Three years ago, I moved to the U.S. with the goal of building a life through real estate investments, primarily focusing on the Midwest. Now based in New York City, I’m looking to expand my network here and connect with like-minded people. I'm passionate about learning, sharing experiences, and discovering new opportunities. 

Let’s connect—I’d love to hear about your investment stories and goals!

Best,

Leo

------

¡Hola a todos! 

Mi nombre es Leo y estoy emocionado de unirme a esta comunidad de entusiastas del real estate. Hace tres años me mudé a los Estados Unidos con el objetivo de construir una vida a través de inversiones inmobiliarias, enfocándome principalmente en el Midwest. Ahora, viviendo en Nueva York, quiero expandir mi red de contactos aquí y conectar con personas que compartan la misma pasión. Me entusiasma aprender, compartir experiencias y descubrir nuevas oportunidades. 

¡Conectemos! Me encantaría escuchar sobre tus historias de inversión y metas.

Saludos,

Leo

Pd: Si, Español es mi primer idioma :) 

7Reply
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Most Popular Reply

Min ZhangBusiness Member
Real Estate Agent · Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
2y

Hi Leo, I noticed you're interested in the Midwest market. I personally invest in Columbus for its growth and appreciation potential, but the prices are generally higher than in other markets like Cleveland and Dayton, which are worth exploring if you're focused on cash flow, typically ranging from 10% to 18%. Let me know how I can help!

[email protected]614-412-2912
Reafco.512 Reviews
View Page
1Reply
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22 Replies

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  • Andy RouschPro Member
    Investor · Mt. Arlington NJ · Member since 2018 · 251 posts · 143 votes
    2y

    Welcome to the community @Leo Szac ! What areas in the Midwest were you focusing on and is investing in NY your new goal? Or are you going to invest long-distance from NY to the Mid West? 

    0Reply
  • Travis Biziorek
    Investor · Arroyo Grande, CA · Member since 2014 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    2y

    Leo, good to see you here brother!

    I know you've been doing well in Toledo and you've been potentially eyeing Detroit as well.

    Absolutely love your story and enthusiasm, and I know you've got a lot of knowledge and inspiration you can share with investors that are just getting started.

    0Reply
  • Andrew Jennings Freerks
    Developer · NY · Member since 2021 · 131 posts · 106 votes
    2y

    Hola @Leo Szac, mucho gusto.  Let me know if you want to jump on a call or grab coffee next week.  I am from the midwest, and invested there before turning my attention to the Northeast (for many reasons).  I'd be happy to tell you about my investing adventure with all of its ups and downs.  DM if you want to connect.

    1Reply
  • Leo Szac
    OP
    Investor · New York, NY · Member since 2024 · 32 posts · 24 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Andy Rousch:

    Welcome to the community @Leo Szac ! What areas in the Midwest were you focusing on and is investing in NY your new goal? Or are you going to invest long-distance from NY to the Mid West? 


     Hey Andy, thanks for your message. I live in Manhattan and I invest out of state. I have no plans to invest in here.

    In Midways I'm investing mainly in OH but I'm thinking of other cities/states around Lake Erie.

    How about you?

    0Reply
  • Leo Szac
    OP
    Investor · New York, NY · Member since 2024 · 32 posts · 24 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Travis Biziorek:

    Leo, good to see you here brother!

    I know you've been doing well in Toledo and you've been potentially eyeing Detroit as well.

    Absolutely love your story and enthusiasm, and I know you've got a lot of knowledge and inspiration you can share with investors that are just getting started.


     Thank you so much for your kind words and support, Travis!! 

    1Reply
  • Leo Szac
    OP
    Investor · New York, NY · Member since 2024 · 32 posts · 24 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Andrew Jennings Freerks:

    Hola @Leo Szac, mucho gusto.  Let me know if you want to jump on a call or grab coffee next week.  I am from the midwest, and invested there before turning my attention to the Northeast (for many reasons).  I'd be happy to tell you about my investing adventure with all of its ups and downs.  DM if you want to connect.


     Hey Andrew, nice meeting you! Are you around Manhattan? If yes, let's grab a coffee. 

    0Reply
  • Drew SygitBusiness Member
    Property Manager · Royal Oak, MI · Member since 2012 · 13k+ posts · 9k+ votes
    2y

    @Leo Szac if you do consider Detroit, which of the 183 Neighborhoods will you be targeting & why?

    [email protected]248-209-6824
    Logical Property Management4.9462 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    0Reply
  • Leo Szac
    OP
    Investor · New York, NY · Member since 2024 · 32 posts · 24 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Drew Sygit:

    @Leo Szac if you do consider Detroit, which of the 183 Neighborhoods will you be targeting & why?


     Hi Drew, 

    I look usually for C-class areas, like Bagley/University District, and Marygrove/Fitzgerald.

    What do you think about these?

    0Reply
  • Nick BelskyBusiness Member
    Lender · Orlando, FL · Member since 2021 · 1k+ posts · 704 votes
    2y

    @Leo Szac

    Welcome to Bigger Pockets!  Be sure to explore the tools provided by the BPC, there is a list of top markets that is updated regularly based on a number of criteria.  You will find many locations in the Midwest in the list along with some critical statistics.  Great tools that get updated regularly.

    I am on the lending side of things and would be happy to hop on a call with you anytime to discuss financial strategies and help answer any questions you may have about nearly any loan product available to help you on your journey, even if they are not products my capital partners offer.

    We are all here to help you learn and grow. Feel free to ask anything, anytime.

    Cheers!

    [email protected]
    Belsky Mortgage, LLC521 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    0Reply
  • Min ZhangBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    2y

    Hi Leo, I noticed you're interested in the Midwest market. I personally invest in Columbus for its growth and appreciation potential, but the prices are generally higher than in other markets like Cleveland and Dayton, which are worth exploring if you're focused on cash flow, typically ranging from 10% to 18%. Let me know how I can help!

    [email protected]614-412-2912
    Reafco.512 Reviews
    View Page
    1Reply
  • Leo Szac
    OP
    Investor · New York, NY · Member since 2024 · 32 posts · 24 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Nick Belsky:

    @Leo Szac

    Welcome to Bigger Pockets!  Be sure to explore the tools provided by the BPC, there is a list of top markets that is updated regularly based on a number of criteria.  You will find many locations in the Midwest in the list along with some critical statistics.  Great tools that get updated regularly.

    I am on the lending side of things and would be happy to hop on a call with you anytime to discuss financial strategies and help answer any questions you may have about nearly any loan product available to help you on your journey, even if they are not products my capital partners offer.

    We are all here to help you learn and grow. Feel free to ask anything, anytime.

    Cheers!


     Hi NIck,

    Thanks for your kind words! I'm still trying to understand the best use of this platform :)

    I'm currently working with a mortgage broker in OH, but it's always good to have more points of view.

    0Reply
  • Leo Szac
    OP
    Investor · New York, NY · Member since 2024 · 32 posts · 24 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Min Zhang:

    Hi Leo, I noticed you're interested in the Midwest market. I personally invest in Columbus for its growth and appreciation potential, but the prices are generally higher than in other markets like Cleveland and Dayton, which are worth exploring if you're focused on cash flow, typically ranging from 10% to 18%. Let me know how I can help!


     Hi Min,

    Nice meeting you! Of course, let's keep in touch! 

    0Reply
  • Drew SygitBusiness Member
    Property Manager · Royal Oak, MI · Member since 2012 · 13k+ posts · 9k+ votes
    2y

    @Leo Szac those are both solid Neighborhoods, pushing Class B status.

    [email protected]248-209-6824
    Logical Property Management4.9462 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    0Reply
  • Jimmy LieuBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus, OH · Member since 2019 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    1y
    Quote from @Leo Szac:

    Hi everyone! 

    My name is Leo, and I’m excited to join this community of real estate enthusiasts. Three years ago, I moved to the U.S. with the goal of building a life through real estate investments, primarily focusing on the Midwest. Now based in New York City, I’m looking to expand my network here and connect with like-minded people. I'm passionate about learning, sharing experiences, and discovering new opportunities. 

    Let’s connect—I’d love to hear about your investment stories and goals!

    Best,

    Leo

    ------

    ¡Hola a todos! 

    Mi nombre es Leo y estoy emocionado de unirme a esta comunidad de entusiastas del real estate. Hace tres años me mudé a los Estados Unidos con el objetivo de construir una vida a través de inversiones inmobiliarias, enfocándome principalmente en el Midwest. Ahora, viviendo en Nueva York, quiero expandir mi red de contactos aquí y conectar con personas que compartan la misma pasión. Me entusiasma aprender, compartir experiencias y descubrir nuevas oportunidades. 

    ¡Conectemos! Me encantaría escuchar sobre tus historias de inversión y metas.

    Saludos,

    Leo

    Pd: Si, Español es mi primer idioma :) 


    Hi Leo, welcome to the BiggerPockets community! I used to live in Portland OR but ended up moving to Columbus OH to start with real estate investing. It's an interesting market with lots of opportunities for investors. I started with house hacking and building up my rental portfolio. It's been a really rewarding journey so far. Best of luck with your REI journey! Happy to connect and answer any questions you may have.

    [email protected]614-300-7535
    Jimmy Lieu, Red 1 Realty4.9124 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    0Reply
  • Leo Szac
    OP
    Investor · New York, NY · Member since 2024 · 32 posts · 24 votes
    1y
    Quote from @Jimmy Lieu:
    Quote from @Leo Szac:

    Hi everyone! 

    My name is Leo, and I’m excited to join this community of real estate enthusiasts. Three years ago, I moved to the U.S. with the goal of building a life through real estate investments, primarily focusing on the Midwest. Now based in New York City, I’m looking to expand my network here and connect with like-minded people. I'm passionate about learning, sharing experiences, and discovering new opportunities. 

    Let’s connect—I’d love to hear about your investment stories and goals!

    Best,

    Leo

    ------

    ¡Hola a todos! 

    Mi nombre es Leo y estoy emocionado de unirme a esta comunidad de entusiastas del real estate. Hace tres años me mudé a los Estados Unidos con el objetivo de construir una vida a través de inversiones inmobiliarias, enfocándome principalmente en el Midwest. Ahora, viviendo en Nueva York, quiero expandir mi red de contactos aquí y conectar con personas que compartan la misma pasión. Me entusiasma aprender, compartir experiencias y descubrir nuevas oportunidades. 

    ¡Conectemos! Me encantaría escuchar sobre tus historias de inversión y metas.

    Saludos,

    Leo

    Pd: Si, Español es mi primer idioma :) 


    Hi Leo, welcome to the BiggerPockets community! I used to live in Portland OR but ended up moving to Columbus OH to start with real estate investing. It's an interesting market with lots of opportunities for investors. I started with house hacking and building up my rental portfolio. It's been a really rewarding journey so far. Best of luck with your REI journey! Happy to connect and answer any questions you may have.


     Hi Jimmy,

    thanks for your words!!! How's life in Columbus OH? Never been, but been tempted to start buying there.

    1Reply
  • Ben Trageser
    Accountant · Montclair, NJ · Member since 2020 · 218 posts · 104 votes
    1y

    Welcome to Bigger Pocket! If you have any accounting questions, please feel free to reach out as I have extensive experience working with foreign nationals in the US. Happy to be a resource!

    0Reply
  • Leo Szac
    OP
    Investor · New York, NY · Member since 2024 · 32 posts · 24 votes
    1y
    Quote from @Ben Trageser:

    Welcome to Bigger Pocket! If you have any accounting questions, please feel free to reach out as I have extensive experience working with foreign nationals in the US. Happy to be a resource!


     Thanks Ben!!!

    0Reply
  • Nick BelskyBusiness Member
    Lender · Orlando, FL · Member since 2021 · 1k+ posts · 704 votes
    1y
    Quote from @Leo Szac:
    Quote from @Nick Belsky:

    @Leo Szac

    Welcome to Bigger Pockets!  Be sure to explore the tools provided by the BPC, there is a list of top markets that is updated regularly based on a number of criteria.  You will find many locations in the Midwest in the list along with some critical statistics.  Great tools that get updated regularly.

    I am on the lending side of things and would be happy to hop on a call with you anytime to discuss financial strategies and help answer any questions you may have about nearly any loan product available to help you on your journey, even if they are not products my capital partners offer.

    We are all here to help you learn and grow. Feel free to ask anything, anytime.

    Cheers!


     Hi NIck,

    Thanks for your kind words! I'm still trying to understand the best use of this platform :)

    I'm currently working with a mortgage broker in OH, but it's always good to have more points of view.


     Happy to help anyway I can.  We have quite a few clients in Ohio.  It's a very active state for us.

    [email protected]
    Belsky Mortgage, LLC521 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    1Reply
  • James Wise
    Real Estate Broker · Cleveland Dayton Cincinnati Toledo Columbus & Akron, OH · Member since 2013 · 31k+ posts · 20k+ votes
    1y
    Quote from @Leo Szac:

    Hi everyone! 

    My name is Leo, and I’m excited to join this community of real estate enthusiasts. Three years ago, I moved to the U.S. with the goal of building a life through real estate investments, primarily focusing on the Midwest. Now based in New York City, I’m looking to expand my network here and connect with like-minded people. I'm passionate about learning, sharing experiences, and discovering new opportunities. 

    Let’s connect—I’d love to hear about your investment stories and goals!

    Best,

    Leo

    ------

    ¡Hola a todos! 

    Mi nombre es Leo y estoy emocionado de unirme a esta comunidad de entusiastas del real estate. Hace tres años me mudé a los Estados Unidos con el objetivo de construir una vida a través de inversiones inmobiliarias, enfocándome principalmente en el Midwest. Ahora, viviendo en Nueva York, quiero expandir mi red de contactos aquí y conectar con personas que compartan la misma pasión. Me entusiasma aprender, compartir experiencias y descubrir nuevas oportunidades. 

    ¡Conectemos! Me encantaría escuchar sobre tus historias de inversión y metas.

    Saludos,

    Leo

    Pd: Si, Español es mi primer idioma :) 


     Welcome aboard.

    1Reply
  • Jimmy LieuBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus, OH · Member since 2019 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    1y
    Quote from @Leo Szac:
    Quote from @Jimmy Lieu:
    Quote from @Leo Szac:

    Hi everyone! 

    My name is Leo, and I’m excited to join this community of real estate enthusiasts. Three years ago, I moved to the U.S. with the goal of building a life through real estate investments, primarily focusing on the Midwest. Now based in New York City, I’m looking to expand my network here and connect with like-minded people. I'm passionate about learning, sharing experiences, and discovering new opportunities. 

    Let’s connect—I’d love to hear about your investment stories and goals!

    Best,

    Leo

    ------

    ¡Hola a todos! 

    Mi nombre es Leo y estoy emocionado de unirme a esta comunidad de entusiastas del real estate. Hace tres años me mudé a los Estados Unidos con el objetivo de construir una vida a través de inversiones inmobiliarias, enfocándome principalmente en el Midwest. Ahora, viviendo en Nueva York, quiero expandir mi red de contactos aquí y conectar con personas que compartan la misma pasión. Me entusiasma aprender, compartir experiencias y descubrir nuevas oportunidades. 

    ¡Conectemos! Me encantaría escuchar sobre tus historias de inversión y metas.

    Saludos,

    Leo

    Pd: Si, Español es mi primer idioma :) 


    Hi Leo, welcome to the BiggerPockets community! I used to live in Portland OR but ended up moving to Columbus OH to start with real estate investing. It's an interesting market with lots of opportunities for investors. I started with house hacking and building up my rental portfolio. It's been a really rewarding journey so far. Best of luck with your REI journey! Happy to connect and answer any questions you may have.


     Hi Jimmy,

    thanks for your words!!! How's life in Columbus OH? Never been, but been tempted to start buying there.


    Hey Leo! It's been great! The cost of living in here is more affordable compared to other major metro areas. There's the vibrant downtown area with trendy restaurants and there are beautiful parks and green spaces throughout the city. It's got the Midwestern friendliness but with more energy and diversity than you might expect. The population is growing, there's tons of development opportunities, and a nice mix of industries - tech, healthcare, manufacturing, etc. The rental and homebuyer demand is pretty stable so it appeals to a lot of investors. Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions!

    [email protected]614-300-7535
    Jimmy Lieu, Red 1 Realty4.9124 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    0Reply
  • Account Closed
    Rental Property Investor · Brooke Park Drive · Member since 2018 · 1k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    1y

    Welcome to U S and A !!

    0Reply
  • Leo Szac
    OP
    Investor · New York, NY · Member since 2024 · 32 posts · 24 votes
    1y
    Quote from @Account Closed:

    Welcome to U S and A !!


     hahahaha thanks Michael!

    0Reply
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