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Updated over 8 years ago, 06/06/2016
Progress update
I think it's important from time to time to stop and re-evaluate where you are, where you were, and where you're headed. Please feel free to comment, reach out privately, or post your own updates and goals here. It seems like the Houston Real Estate Forum could use an ongoing section for this. There are so many of us making big goals and going after a new start in Real Estate. Yet so few have made the first step. And for those of us that have attempted, we should network through shared experience. Who do you want to work with towards your next deal or goal? Someone who has brand new Big Intentions? Or somebody who's gaining traction? I look forward to your posts and thoughts. Here's Where I was and where I'm headed.
At the end of 2014, My goal for 2015 was to flip 6 houses in 2015 and own one rental. Almost 18 months later, I have over a year with my rental (CHECK). So far so good. I'm on my 3rd flip since December '14 (fell short).
- 2015 was a tough year for me. Oil prices hurt my primary income. I sold my personal home to cut expenses. In the process, I closed my home equity line of credit which was crucial for my rehab business. It was also a very tough real estate market. Tough because people were paying so much for fixer-uppers. That's been the story in Houston for the last 2.5 years.
- I put in about 40 offers that were not accepted.
- I did spend long periods of time not looking for deals.
Where I'm headed:
I'm doubling down. Frustration over failures won't stop me. I've got to work harder, work smarter, and do a better job of finding deals. I will look at new models for success while continuing with what IS WORKING.
I'm doing more networking. I'm focusing on the Rehab and flip (Rental is less important for the time being). I'm getting more capital and access to credit. I'm setting my goal at 4 flips. Not super aggressive. But it's a race to get to 4. Once I get to four, we'll see how quick I can get the next four.
In order to handle multiple flips at a time, I will increase capital to always be hunting for good deals. (already in progress)
In order to handle multiple flips at one time, I will start reaching out to other contractors (already happening)
In order to find deals, I will work my current lists more dilligently and start reaching out to wholesalers. **To date I have seen exactly 1 deal worth consideration from a wholesaler. I'm looking for an independent, active, wholesaler that focuses on Houston west of I-45 and homes that will ARV from 200k-400k.
Hi Matt my name is David Coleman I'm just starting my self but I'm new but I'm doing to sit down with you and found out your criteria for homes you want to purchase.
I'm willing to sit down with you and discuss what you need for homes criteria match need to be.
Matt, I can't believe what investors are paying for houses. The numbers don't make sense the majority of the time. Competition is fierce.
I'm new but want to start investing in the near future. How hard is it to find a property here in Houston that fits within the 70% ARV that i see everyone suggest.
You have to find the house yourself. Get ready to put in a lot of time, hear plenty of no's, and be outbid many times.
Wholesalers out here don't follow the 70%ARV rule because the investors are willing to pay retail.
I got my first deal after 2 months of direct mail and haven't had one since. I was close at times, but the sellers would back out.
@Account Closed Keep going brother, nobody said owning your own business would be a cake walk...nevertheless at the end of the day it is really worth it.
Originally posted by @Shanequa J.:
Matt, I can't believe what investors are paying for houses. The numbers don't make sense the majority of the time. Competition is fierce.
Agreed! I think a lot of out of town and new investors are being sold on these as cashflow deals. It may be a while before they get the bad news.
Originally posted by @Kelly Ross:
I'm new but want to start investing in the near future. How hard is it to find a property here in Houston that fits within the 70% ARV that i see everyone suggest.
Houston isn't giving 70% ARV right now. If you get something in the high 70's, you're doing good. Stick with conservative assumptions. When I do that, I end up with a better % of ARV than I budgeted.