Real Estate Agents for Investors

[Account Closed]

Hello, all BP members!

I live in Pleasanton and interested in buying multifamily (duplex, triplex..) in the Bay Area. I am looking for experienced real estate agents who do understand investors.  I have noticed it is hard to find any multifamily in the TriValley and was wondering if there is a way around it. 

Also, I did read through BP forums and a lot of people say that Bay Area is not great for cash flow and lots of folks buy estate out of state. I would like to hear how other RE investors approaching investing in the Bay Area especially the ones who are just starting out.

Looking forward to the discussion.

Best,

Tatiana.

[Brian Garlington]

Buying for cashflow here in the bay area can be very tricky. Can it be done? Absolutely....I am definitely cashflow positive with my condo in Concord and it's in a "C to C+" Area. The concern is if you want maximum cashflow in the bay area you have to do what most people won't. Buy a fourplex in the hood and fill it with Section 8 tenants that you personally screen. That is not a joke either. I have a duplex in East Oakland and both tenants have been Section 8 that I personally screened. The Section 8 tenants that I've had tend not to act as "entitled" because they know of they do then a phone call will be made to the Housing Authority and if they lose their voucher, they are most likely "on the street". Also, becuase their rent is subsidized by the government, THEY ARE NOT SUBJECT TO RENT CONTROL. I have raised the rent a little bit each year, but nowhere near as much as i could because I like to keep my tenants (happy) and they know they are getting a great deal and they don't want to blow it.