Novice Buy-and-Hold Investor from St. Louis, Missouri

[Josh Copeland]

Hello BP!

Being a BP Podcast junkie, I've naturally progressed to the forums. As a long time lurker, I'm excited to be here.

I have been a landlord for 5 years now but fall way short of being an expert in the field. By day I write software and by night I hang with the family, play soccer and (lately) indulge in RE books.

As far as REI experience goes, I own 2 investment condos in St. Charles County, MO, and I unknowingly house-hacked a property at a resort a few years ago.

My goal is to increase my position in RE and learn as much about the industry as possible.

I'm happy to be part of the community now (officially) and look forward to interacting with you all.

[Josh Copeland]

Both of my condos are A/B+ class and in the fastest growing part of the fastest growing county in the region. They aren't necessarily in the most prominent rental market, but I'm yet to have a vacancy in 5 years.

I like the condos vs sfr because they are really low maintenance for me as a self manager. The condo fees cover the big ticket exterior items, so I view them as forced capex savings. They also cover pool, trash, sewer, snow removal, and landscaping. It's easier to sleep when a hail storm is rolling through the area, as I am only responsible for "studs in".

The newer age of the units has provided very few maintenence requests and the neighborhoods attract very good neighbors and have a great school district.

All that being said, my CoC returns leave some to be desired (7.xx%), but I have had great returns on appreciation with the areas boom.