Newbie in Washington, DC

[Jennifer Drew]

Hello everyone!

My name is Jen, and I am slowly getting more into the world of investing. I started off as a teacher for Deaf students, and now I work full time as a sign language interpreter. This has led me to a niche market in DC, right next to Gallaudet University, the only university for the Deaf in the world. 

I currently own two properties (just closed on the second one two weeks ago!) both within walking distance of the university. The first property is a four unit building that I bought as a foreclosure (it was actually a duplex and I converted it back to a four unit which was it's original design), and the second property I just bought is a turn key duplex. All the apartments are two bedroom, one bathroom. 

I have made my properties with Deaf tenants in mind, putting in strobe light fire alarms, and doorbells with strobe lights as well. My tenants tend to be faculty at the university, or grad students, and they appreciate having a landlord who can communicate with them in their primary language, and I've had a really great response from those who have come to view the apartments.

The neighborhood I'm in is rapidly changing, and my first property is already worth more than double what I bought it for. I am considering different options for my next project, but think that I want to buy another multi family property in the same neighborhood to convert into condos and sell individually. I currently have an FHA loan on the duplex, so I'm trying to decide what the best option would be for funding my next property. I've considered using the equity on my four unit property for the next project, but would love to hear any feedback on this or other ideas!

Nice to meet you all!

Jen

[Russell Brazil]

Welcome to BP @Jennifer Drew. You are investing a great area for appreciation, as you have found out already with your one property doubling in value.  That area over there too is one of the few neighborhoods in the entire metro area that actually has a number of multifamily homes.  

You are also spot on with thinking about condo conversion. That is really the way to unlock the most value from those multi unit properties. It is a bit of a cumbersome and long drawn out process, but it certainly will reap financial benefits in the end.

In terms of how to get capital for your next deal, you may want to try a cash out refinance on your property that has all that equity. That should give you a big enough down payment for your next project I would imagine.  Also since you still do not have a lot of properties, you can still do a Fannie Mae cash out refinance. Once you get to property #5, I dont think you can do a cash out refinance through Fannie. So might as well take advantage of that now, assuming you can keep that property cash flow positive with the new higher payment.