Howzit! Newbie from Hawaii!

[Aaron Cayabyab]

Aloha BP Community! I am new to the forums and have been listening to Bigger Pockets religiously for the past year. Been doing some research and reading a lot of book to educate myself in RE. I live on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. I'm looking into investing in multi-family and looking to do so by purchasing a 4 unit using a FHA loan. Properties here are really high and the multi's I have been looking at range from $900k-$1.5m. I wanted to get feedback if this is a good way to start investing. Will use my own money and a family member will help me with the remainder for a down payment. I'm really excited to see where this can take me. All help and guidance is appreciated. Mahalo, Aaron

[Michael Johnson]

Hey, and welcome!! the Bigger pockets forums and podcasts are awesome, but dont forget about the Blogs.. Those are full of great info also..

I'm newish also. So, Im not sure how to best help you.. But i will ask a question. Are any of these multis close enough (to something Hawaii-like) to be used as a vacation rental? kind of like a back up plan or second exit strategy.. 

-Johnson

[Elia S.]

Aaron Hello an Welcome to BP as for Properties I Have Helped a Few People from Hawaii also Showed then around Indianapolis if your Interested feel free to PM me have a Great Day.

[Jeff Wallenius]

Aloha @Aaron Cayabyab! If your looking to buy in your area I would try and live in one of the units and purchase as an owner occupied. You'll get better down payment terms and it's a nice way to get into the multifamily space. There are some value add opportunities throughout the nation if your looking for other areas as well.

[Jasmine C.]

Welcome. I'm originally from waipahu too. If you would like to talk more about investing with other locals message me. Good luck with your investing

[James Wise]

Welcome to the site @Aaron Cayabyab

What your trying to do is something we call house hacking around here. that's a great way to get into the game. Good luck to you & I'll see you around the site.

[Aaron Cayabyab]

Michael Johnson thanks! Rentals I'm looking at is relatively close to the beach but they are in a good area with business, malls, schools and a convention center all within a mile. I'm looking to rentals only and would be open to vacation rentals/ Air BnB.

[Aaron Cayabyab]

Jeff Wallenius I would love to look out of state but would like to start off close to home at first.

[Aaron Cayabyab]

Jasmine C. Hello! Would love to get into one of those meetings! Would love to pick the brains of some locals. Quick question, is it here value in multis here in Hawaii?

[Lawrence Taylor]

House hacking is a great way to get started, I would utilize direct mail letters to see if i could get a great lead to a property that isn't necessary on the market for lower price.

[Isi Nau]

Aloha Aaron.  Investing in apartment buildings on Oahu is a great financial decision.  I would be more than happy to sit down and talk about it with you.  I have a good level of experience with multi family units across Oahu, through my clients and personal transactions.

[Aaron Cayabyab]

Isi Nau I really appreciate the offer! I did not know where to begin as far as looking for more experienced people who have done this. I will message you. BP really is awesome! Mahalo!