Looking to connect with Real Estate Rookies doing this with kids

Handyman · Riverview, FL · Member since 2025 · 7 posts · 3 votes

New to BP. Trying to get some tips on how the more experienced investor/house hacker started your journey while raising kids at home. The motivation and work ethic is there but sometimes the energy is lacking due to having the kids suck the life out of me. Seeking assistance to start a multifamily house hack strategy using equity in my current SFH in Tampa Bay, Florida area. Want to acquire the multifamily in another market, preferably in the Northeast.

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Jorge VazquezBusiness Member

Real Estate Broker · Tampa, FL · Member since 2017 · 1k+ posts · 692 votes

Hey Khemraj, I had three kids when I started—my youngest was 8—and I sat the whole crew down to let them know we were gonna house hack and make some sacrifices, but the goal was to buy a castle one day. I ended up house hacking my first 6 properties, and once I got the rhythm down, I moved into BRRRRs and picked up the next 27 that way. Using your Tampa equity is a smart first step—just make sure you’ve got a solid team in that Northeast market. It’s not always easy with kids, but if you keep the vision strong, it’s all worth it. Always down to connect if you want to talk strategy!

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Jorge VazquezBusiness Member
Real Estate Broker · Tampa, FL · Member since 2017 · 1k+ posts · 692 votes
1y
Hey Khemraj, I had three kids when I started—my youngest was 8—and I sat the whole crew down to let them know we were gonna house hack and make some sacrifices, but the goal was to buy a castle one day. I ended up house hacking my first 6 properties, and once I got the rhythm down, I moved into BRRRRs and picked up the next 27 that way. Using your Tampa equity is a smart first step—just make sure you’ve got a solid team in that Northeast market. It’s not always easy with kids, but if you keep the vision strong, it’s all worth it. Always down to connect if you want to talk strategy!
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Wale LawalBusiness Member
Real Estate Broker · Houston | Dallas | Austin, TX · Member since 2018 · 5k+ posts · 2k+ votes
1y
@Khemraj Hamnauth
Welcome to BP! It's great that you're motivated and ready to take action—many investors have successfully started their journeys while raising kids, by focusing on systems and leveraging partnerships. Since you already have equity in your Tampa Bay SFH, consider a cash-out refinance or HELOC to fund a multifamily house hack in a more affordable Northeast market. Look for landlord-friendly areas with strong rent-to-price ratios, and aim for properties that require minimal rehab so you can stay hands-on without overwhelming your time and energy.
Good luck!
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- Khemraj Hamnauth
  Member since 2025 · 1 post · 0 votes
  1y
  Quote from @Wale Lawal:
  
  @Khemraj Hamnauth
  Welcome to BP! It's great that you're motivated and ready to take action—many investors have successfully started their journeys while raising kids, by focusing on systems and leveraging partnerships. Since you already have equity in your Tampa Bay SFH, consider a cash-out refinance or HELOC to fund a multifamily house hack in a more affordable Northeast market. Look for landlord-friendly areas with strong rent-to-price ratios, and aim for properties that require minimal rehab so you can stay hands-on without overwhelming your time and energy.
  Good luck!
  
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Joey Keske
Investor · Tampa, FL · Member since 2024 · 15 posts · 7 votes
1y
Sent you a message!
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Nicholas L.Pro Member
Flipper/Rehabber · Pittsburgh · Member since 2018 · 6k+ posts · 5k+ votes
1y
@Khemraj Hamnauth
this wasn't your direct question, but if you're financing a purchase using a HELOC, which it sounds like is what you're saying, you're just going to lose money. are you saying you'd use a HELOC to buy a property in the northeast and then go live there?
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Doug SmithPro Member
Lender · Tampa, FL · Member since 2013 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes
1y
35-year lender and 15+ year investor in the Tampa market here (I, too, live in Riverview). My kid was an infant when I started investing, now we're looking at colleges. I did four things when I first started that helped a great deal. First, I found a partner that had different skill sets than I did. I had financed a bajillion investment deals working primarily for banks, but didn't have actual experience investing. I handled the money and the partner was plugged in and knew the logistics. Second, I didn't DIY it. We hired a good GC to help with the project. Third, I didn't quit my day job. I see a lot of investors try to go all in out of the gate before they are financially ready. That will kill you. Finally, we did the math and watched our money. You expect what you inspect, so make sure you're getting a solid scope of work with the contractor up front, a good ARV from a competent, experienced agent, and you stay on top of it. Honestly, the kid thing wasn't a big deal in the grand scheme of things. Now that we're looking at colleges, I wish to showed more interest in the investing side. Good luck to you. Let's meet up for coffee off of 301 and you can pick my brain. Good luck to you!
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Khemraj Hamnauth
OP
Handyman · Riverview, FL · Member since 2025 · 7 posts · 3 votes
1y
@Doug Smith Thank you for the feedback. I am at a pivotal time in the journey as I am putting together my team consisting of a good PM (he has contacts with multiple GCs), Im the numbers guy (given my tax and skip tracing background) and working on the lending, agent side. I am only realistically able to devote a few hours (5 or so) during the week, and early morning hours on the weekends. Both my wife and I utilize daycare and just do the best we can. I'm looking forward to a little more independence from the kids but also realize they grow up fast so I have to stop and live in the moment while they are young. Coffee sounds good. Im free most weekends, early morning. I am off of Big Bend and 301 myself. Would love to connect.
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Khemraj Hamnauth
OP
Handyman · Riverview, FL · Member since 2025 · 7 posts · 3 votes
1y
@Nicholas L

@Nicholas L. Hi, thanks for the reply. I would use a HELOC to buy a property in the northeast and then go up to live. That's the initial thought. Have not taken that action yet. I believe I am still at the early stages of that move as the Florida market seems volatile at the moment and you're right, taking out a HELOC when not fully sure of a strategy isn't wise.
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