Newbie Investor from Reading, PA!

[Kelly Beiler]

Hi all! I have been educating myself on real estate investing for over a year now - it started when I read the (cliche) Rich Dad Poor Dad book, and then a lot of finance, real estate, and business books since (and still am!). Been also listening to the Bigger Pockets podcast for almost a year and DANG, been learning a ton there too! 

I'm a SAHM and am working to get some cash flowing rental properties. I'm in the stage now of trying to get my ducks all in a row with my team, contractors, and have been actively looking locally at houses with my realtor, but all have been on the MLS and I realize my investor-number offers are not popular in this sellers market. I am not having much success so far finding any local wholesalers either to buy from (I wish they would wear a name tag with "wholesaler" at the REI meets I've attended, haha).

My husband and I have savings but money is tight, so there's not much room for error. I know I can make it work and I'm good with numbers and not letting emotions get me when looking at a place (though a good historic house does tug my heartstrings), but I'd be lying if I didn't admit that I'm nervous about still making a big mistake on my first house and all the "unknowns" of real estate that are only gained with experience. I welcome any and all help, suggestions, etc. that y'all can provide. I obviously don't have much in REI I can input on yet here, but I do have some experience with home rehab projects and design as my husband and I have been fixing up our home for the past 4 years and I can give what little knowledge I have gained in that area.

Looking forward to interacting with y'all here in the future and making some lasting connections!

[Kelly Beiler]

@Kevin Sobilo - thanks, Kevin! I have been doing exactly that with looking-out for row homes and small multis in the past several months of my searches and walk-thrus, so I'm glad that your research supports it as well. I've had a few slip thru my fingers here because it's a fast market in Reading still even this winter (perhaps due to it being a mild winter), but I know one will happen soon if I keep pursuing and making offers!