College Real Estate Investor from Atlanta, Georgia

College Real Estate Investor from Atlanta, Georgia

Member since 2019 · 7 posts · 3 votes

Hello everyone,

My name is Ray Acosta, and I am currently a junior studying Computer Science at the University of Georiga—Go Dawgs! I love listening to the Bigger Pockets podcast in between classes and learning everything I can about Real Estate. My passion for investing started when I was 8 years old as I would help my father manage his rentals by completing tasks such as cutting the grass, painting walls and the occasional collecting rent—seeing the power of passive income early on.

This year I bought my first off-market, single-family investment property with the help of my father (I had great credit but my DTI ratio was a bit high since I am a full-time student) for $120,000 and the property appraised for $160,000 in Lawrenceville, Georgia. I got the deal through letting the world know I was an investor (as Brandon Turner always says on the podcast) by constantly posting on Facebook and Instagram and getting the deal through a family friend that wanted to sell undervalued for financial reasons.

Goals to accomplish through BiggerPockets

1. A multi-family deal this year
2. Learn about raising capital, taxes, and finding deals in Georiga

What I bring to the table:

1. I am scrappy and hard-working. I always figure out a way to solve a problem and won't take no for an answer. Like Brandon says, "Not if but how."

2. I am good with numbers and am a fast-learner. My STEM background allows me to approach problems from a different angle and comes in handy when analyzing deals 

3. I can add value by recommending great contractors in concrete (driveway and sidewalk), painting, tile, and roofing—if someone is not mentioned I'm sure I can find someone.

        I look forward to connecting!

        Cheers,

        Ray

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        • Realtor · Atlanta · Member since 2018 · 126 posts · 81 votes
          7y

          Welcome to BP @Ray Acosta! 

          Sounds like you have all the skills needed to succeed in REI.

          I highly recommend joining the Georgia REIA.

          Holler at me if you're ever looking to invest in West or South Atlanta!

          Good luck!

        • Member since 2019 · 7 posts · 3 votes
          7y

          @Marc Brenner Thank you, Marc! I will make sure to join GAREIA and look forward to possibly working with you!

        • Lender · Playa del Carmen, México · Member since 2014 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
          7y

          Hi @Ray Acosta and welcome to BiggerPockets!

          Congratulations: You appear to have all the major components in place to accomplish your goals. I wish I had been so enlightened when I was a college junior!

          So, what do you see as the Next Big Step toward your goals?

          What's your current deal flow, by which I mean how many potential deals are you looking at periodically? If multi-family is your thing, you should be analyzing at least a couple of prospective MFH deals each week, ideally more.

          Find yourself a few good local wholesaler email lists, get yourself an investor-friendly agent and dive into the deep end!

        • Contractor · Canton, GA · Member since 2015 · 111 posts · 81 votes
          7y

          @Ray Acosta I just bought into a multifamily at uga. That town is great to find deals in. My listing is in a neighborhood with only triplex and Quadplexs. This was actually a pocket listing that needed to be bought quickly due to an ailing owner.Im not sure if you would want to look in the area but its a thought.

          One recommendation are calls to burned out landlords or owners who have held for 4-5 years in predominant residential rental communities and see if you can buy as a lease to own option or owner finance to get you in cheaply. Im sure many owners who have bought for their kids will need an easy way to exit once their kids are graduated or dropped out.

          My Renovation business is in metro Atlanta, but my Rentals are currently at UGA. This area can appeal to students, families, and even working professionals looking to work and school. Be aware of Tenants rights and always check the math with local comps.

          Best of luck,

          John Patterson

        • Member since 2019 · 7 posts · 3 votes
          7y

          Thank you @Mitch Messer!

          I’m currently exploring different options to leverage the equity in the property I already own since at the moment my income wouldn’t be sufficient for another loan. Perhaps you may know how to get around this?

          Concerning deal, I have a few wholesalers that send me deals on a daily basis mostly from residential properties in Gwinnett and the surrounding area.

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