Aspiring real estate investor

[Robert Deets]

Hello, My name is Robert, and I'm an entrepreneur focused on real estate investing, specifically in single and multi-family properties and strategic flips. I have formed an LLC with my partners, securing funding, and leveraging creative financing strategies. Inspired by The ABCs of Real Estate Investing, BRRRR and insights from BiggerPockets, I’m focused on building long-term wealth and replacing my current income with rental properties.

[Mike Fingleton]

Hey Robert, welcome to the world of real estate investimg! Sounds like you've got a solid foundation.. an LLC, funding, and creative financing strategies are already huge steps forward. I remember when I first got started, I thought reading books and analyzing deals was enough.. but once you start making offers and managing properties, that's when the real learning kicks in. Since you're focusing on both single and multi-family, I'd ask, what's your game plan for market selection? I've seen investors get stuck in analysis paralysis, trying to time the "perfect" market instead of just jumping in where the numbers work. For example, in Phoenix (where I'm based), cap rates have compressed over the years, but strong rent growth and job migration have kept deals attractive.. compared to, say, San Diego, where the appreciation play is stronger than cash flow. A buddy of mine who started around the same time I did got caught chasing every "hot" market tip and ended up never buying for the first three years.. meanwhile, another investor I know locked in deals in San Antonio and has tripled his portfolio because he committed to a market early. My take? All channels work, but some work more often than others. Off-market leads from probate attorneys, solid agent connections, and understanding local zoning/ADU rules can unlock way better deals than just browsing the MLS or hoping for a wholesale gem. Also, curious..how's your financing structured? Are you leveraging private lenders, seller financing, or traditional bank loans? I've seen some investors get creative with HELOCs or portfolio loans to scale faster. What's your biggest challenge right now?