New investor seeks info on syndication, fixer uppers, more

[Phuong Tran]

A warm greeting to all from the balmy tropics of Bangkok where I have lived since 2010.  I have been out of the US for work since 2006, sold my one piece of real estate I owned there in 2016, and am looking to diversify out of the stock market into real estate. (I can't change my listing from New York to Bangkok! Something about needing to wait 30 days).  

I am a former war/disasters correspondent for the UN, now taking time off to focus on- no suspense here-  real estate.  I am grateful to the “elders” of this site who have curated such an amazing trove of great information infused with the passion of true converts! Even so, I am a bit lost with my next steps.( FYI: I need to seal deals sight unseen from Bangkok, so I really need to work through trusted, solid intermediaries. Having been out of the US for more than a decade, I am trying to piece together community through amazing conversations with a number of you already. Hope to learn more). 

Here's a short list of stuff I am researching.  I am still reading through the many forums, so please forgive me that these questions are not in the most appropriate forum/conversation threads. if admin could be so kind to paste threads of relevant conversations in response to the below that I may miss otherwise, I would be so grateful!

1. Am interested in chatting with syndicators. I have noted recommended members already and will follow-up directly. But I don't know what I don't know, so am putting this note to the BP universe. Is there any shortcut to finding reputable syndicators other than working networks (which I don’t have quiet yet)? I am not yet an accredited investor, but will look into if needed. 

2. As I am an uber-remote investor, I am researching turnkey operators. Eager to learn from members' experiences, get references (or stay-away warnings), get an idea of average ballpark. I am g

3. Though remote, I love fixer uppers. This is from someone who has never actually DONE one. Is there a service/class of professionals (ie. CDPEs???) specialized for this end of the market? I am not looking to flip (need cash flow), but rather to be able to carry out renovations myself.  If I can't literally drive around a town to check out properties, do you have superstar agents willing to do this, even though their cut is quite small percentage wise?

4. I am closing on 2 properties in Grand Rapids, MI this week. What are some of your favorite programs/software to track your RE investments? What wealth management programs have a nice dashboard to see what percentage of investments sits where, and then from there, allows once to go into more detail on performance? For example, a mix of Personal Capital and Quicken??

5. Because I am taking time of from work- do not have a track record of self employment-  I am learning that despite perfect credit and healthy assets, I would have problems qualifying for a loan on my own. Any advice other than getting a a guarantor/co-signer? I don't have  any income streams now, and don't plan to for a few more months.  

I fear being kicked off/flogged for posting too many questions in the wrong places, so I will stop here for now. 

Thank you, in advance for your collective wisdom and individual sharing. To repay, my door is open here in Bangkok. 

[Todd Dexheimer]

Phuong Tran I would start by picking one or 2 of the niches that you list and study that. For passive income the syndication and Turn key are your best option. Turn key would still make me nervous living that far away, due to the fact that you can't really see the investment before you buy it and are giving full control to a manager that has not ownership interest. With a syndication at least the sponsor has ownership interest and should have a dedication to making it successful. 

For finding syndicators, I don't really think there are shortcuts. You just have to network on BP and other RE networks and within your sphere's. As for being non-accredited - this will limit you, but you should still be able to find some decent companies that will take non-accredited investors. My company does, but we are sure to build a relationship and also give a questionnaire to all potential investors. It is imperative for any sponsor taking non-accredited investors to be sure the investor understands what they are investing in.