From Two to Four Properties in One Day & 5 actionable tips

We doubled up! We went from 2 properties to 4 in a single closing! Could not have done it without BiggerPockets, @Brandon Turner and @Joshua Dorkin! I listed to podcasts and the Pro replay webinars on repeat daily, and have used the BiggerPockets calculators obsessively before making any offer and through the closing process.

Closing on two properties was challenging, since the mortgage underwriting process was double. Fortunately, I'm using Citi and the banker / loan processor are pleasant to deal with and have assisted me on ALL 4 properties using conventional financing.

Part of the reason why these properties closed simultaneously is because both properties were rented, which helped my debt to income ratios primarily. 

We did have to reschedule both closing due to the appraisal being delayed on one property, and the seller being away on vacation without access to communication whatsoever on the other

Here are my 5 actionable tips based on real estate opportunities 3 and 4:

1. Try buying properties that have current tenants. While it may be a risk in terms of inheriting tenants, the rental income could help you qualify for the mortgage.

2. If the sellers will not be available at closing, request they provide a Power of Attorney to their agent to sign the closing documents on the seller's behalf.

3. Call the listing agent directly if you don't have an established relationship with an agent yet. All 4 properties were acquired by contacting the listing agents directly.

4. Visit the properties. If you're new to real estate investing and still learning your farm area, looking at the property prior to making an offer, although it takes time, will give you the confidence to submit offers, and allow you to assess the value, and hence your offer, much more accurately.

5. Don't stop learning about real estate, listening to the BP podcasts, and reading the forums! They have a ton of information and they will continue to give you confidence to make offers and own properties.