Brand New Investor in the Washington D.C./Maryland Area!

[Bianca Sackey]

Hello All!

My name is Bianca Sackey and I'm incredibly excited to be here taking this first step in my real estate investing journey. I am currently active duty in the military and stationed in Honolulu, Hawaii, but I will be moving with my husband and pup to D.C. at the end of the year! I've had a love for real estate for a large part of my life but recently became pretty obsessed with the idea of investing and financial independence, something I didn't even consider to be possible for me before this year. 

I, of course, read Rich Dad, Poor Dad as well as a few other real estate and personal finance related books and soon after I found Bigger Pockets while browsing the web for RE information! I've been tearing through the podcasts for months now and I still have a long way to go and lots to learn, but I was inspired by a recent episode to get started now! I just turned 25 and, although I know I could still be considered "ahead of the curve", I feel that I have quite a bit of time to make up for and I don't want to waste another day! I recently felt myself begin to slip into the dreaded "analysis paralysis" state and I'm taking steps to pull myself away from that. I know that networking here on Bigger Pockets is an excellent first step. 

My current goal is to begin acquiring buy and hold properties, preferably multi-family, in the D.C, Maryland and/or Virginia areas. I have enough saved for a sizable down payment on a conventional loan, but I would love to get into some creative financing and learn more about how I can use my VA loan. I'm still doing market research do narrow down a city/neighborhood to start with and would happily accept any recommended research criteria and/or tools for market analysis. I know BP has some great tools, and I'm actually about to upgrade to a pro membership and get serious about analysis! I also have ambitions to scale my investments toward large apartment buildings and probably toward leading/deal management roles in syndications as well. Begin with the end in mind as they say.

I'm currently looking to begin working with investment savvy realtors in the D.C. area, not only to begin buying some rental properties, but to potentially find a personal residence to house hack as well! I'd love to chat with anyone in the DMV area looking to connect. 

I've spent about 5 years in the military and have 6 more to go. My goal is to be financially independent and deep into my real estate business by the time I get out. I know I can do it! So excited to get started! 

Thanks in advance to anyone who reaches out!

Bianca Sackey

[Ruth Lyons]

Welcome to BP Bianca. Your enthusiasm and positive attitude are obvious in your post. Love that! I agree with Stephen that a house hack is your best first move. I'm an investor who became a Md-licensed agent after my personal rental portfolio was full. I've helped several investors acquire and sell both buy and hold and fix and flip properties in Howard, Baltimore, Anne Arundel, Carrol, Montgomery and Prince George counties. I would recommend picking an area (DMV is huge and real estate markets are hyper local) and focusing only on getting that first house hack opportunity. Use your VA loan for the property you will occupy and you can purchase with no money down. Save your funds for your second purchase, an investment property that cash flows well. I'd love to grab a cup of coffee with you and help you strategize.