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Updated over 7 years ago, 08/05/2017
What to do with my money?
Hello All,
So, my husband and I are finally in the process of buying our first multi-family home/ first intentional investment. We refinanced our primary residency and are putting 5% down. We will have about $25,000 left over after closing. Our first home, will be rented and cash flow over $200 a month.
We have about $13,000 in debt due to remodeling our current residency and mainly because of medical expenses. Trying to figure out if I should pay off my debt. One credit card is at 5,000, 0% APR, no interest until summer 2018. The other is $1700 and 13.5 interest due 11/2017. My last card is at 5400 and currently accruing interest at 13.49%. I could pay it all off, make above minimum payments for all, or transfer the balance of this last card to 0%. But, am I pushing it?
We have done a thorough analysis on the property we are in contract with, and it is not a winner at the moment because we will be living in one unit to update it. The rents are low and can be raised $100 immediately. We'd pay over $450 a month out of pocket after all expenses are covered. This would at least allow us to save or personal income. We plan to do some minor remodeling, more money out of pocket, and Airbnb two units as soon as possible. We then plan to move out in a year and Airbnb all three, which for the area should be very lucrative.
In the long run, we could remodel and force appreciation, fingers crossed and sell. The house is in a B class neighborhood and rents have been increasing rapidly since March. I'm hoping we are not at the peak. The other option is to increase rents further after some remodeling. Rents have not been raised since 2006, and current tenants are longterm. Realistically, we bought this property for STR. It could be profitable as rental once maintenance and caped reserves are adequate to remove and rents are increased.
My first inclination is to pay off all my debt and hold the rest as a maintenance/ remodel/ Capex reserve, and wait to use my hopeful Airbnb profits for future purchases. The other option is to pay my debts off steadily and save $13,000 for another purchase. Have not calculated how much this would cost in interest. Not sure if much I could do with $13,000 unless I hustle a smoking deal or the market tanks in my area, doesn't seem likely. This last option seems to be the impatient option. I'm aiming toward paying off all the debt. FYI: My debt did not affect our refinancing because my husband and I have excellent credit and he is the signer, while I'll be put on the deed and title.
QUESTION: What would you do? Just wondering if there is anything I have not thought of.
Thanks,
Rhiannon