Noob currently based in Hawaii, about to invest in Washington!

[Marc Estepa]

Please excuse me for being all over the place.  Jumping right in without properly introducing myself!  Brand new to bigger pockets, maybe 3 weeks in.  Got stuck on Bigger Pockets Real Estate and can’t turn it off!  

I’m originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, active duty military and own 2 homes in North Carolina.  I’ve lived in nearly every part of the US (Southeast, Northeast, Midwest, West Coast and now Hawai’i).  I grew up with a very conservative and traditional mindset toward money - live beneath your means, have no debt, save for your retirement and only buy a home after you have saved up 20% for the downpayment.  

Anyway, after listening to a few bigger pockets podcasts, it has completely changed my mindset.  I was still skeptical and constantly reasoning with myself to do more research in order to get comfortable enough to pull the trigger on considering to buy a home. The truth is, I’m scared.  

As the Army would have it, I’m now on orders to move from Hawaii to Washington.  What better way to get your feet wet then to just jump right on in?!  I’m still terrified, but gaining confidence the more I listen and learn.  

I’d love to connect with the community and help in anyway I can.  Looking forward to gaining more knowledge and confidence and meeting like minded investors!  I’m a very systems oriented guy who lacks in the creativity department, so I am excited to develop that part of my brain through all of you!  

Whether you’re in Hawaii, Washington or wherever - don’t be scared to reach out!  🤙🏽

[Nathan Gesner]

Welcome, Mark!

I personally think Washington and Hawaii are bad places to invest. They regularly increase regulations, making it harder and harder to be a Landlord. This rent moratorium is just the latest where Tenants can stop paying rent without penalty but the Landlord is still required to meet his obligations despite having no income. In my experience, major cities and coastal states will continue increasing regulation, always bent towards the renter having an unfair advantage.

It's also a tough time to get started. There's been a large influx of new investors over the past 10 years and the strong economy is making it harder to find good deals. You have to really learn and do your homework.

[Marc Estepa]

Thanks for the insight Nathan!  Definitely going to take that into account.  I’m still studying how to analyze the numbers better and make sure I’m getting the best deal.  That’s where I’m not as comfortable yet.  If you have any resources for a beginner like me, I’m all ears!