All Forum Posts by: Wale Lawal

@Malachi Gutt

Hey Malachi, great to hear you're expanding into the DFW market! With your experience in flips, BRRRR, and small multifamily, you'll find plenty of opportunity here—just make sure you're targeting investor-friendly pockets like Garland, Fort Worth, or parts of Arlington. If you need help getting connected with quality agents, lenders, or contractors in DFW, feel free to DM me and I'll gladly point you in the right direction.

Good luck!

@Noah Francis

As you prepare to purchase your first property in Houston, focus on proven local strategies like house hacking, value-add rentals in emerging neighborhoods, or leveraging DSCR loans for cash-flowing multifamily properties. Houston's diverse submarkets offer solid opportunities, so be sure to align your investment with population growth trends, job centers, and landlord-friendly zoning for the best long-term results.

Good luck!

@Arnold Caceres

If you're short on cash for closing and don't want to give up equity, consider tapping into creative financing options like using a HELOC on another property, borrowing from retirement accounts like a 401(k), or seller financing where the seller holds a second note. You can also explore down payment assistance programs or private lending from friends and family structured as a loan—not a partnership—to preserve full ownership.

Good luck!

@Jack OMalley

It’s great that you’re thinking ahead and planning to house hack—smart move for a first property. While your parents’ debt-averse mindset has likely helped you stay financially disciplined, it’s worth reframing financing as a tool rather than a burden when used responsibly. In real estate, leverage allows you to control more assets and build wealth faster than saving to buy everything in cash—especially if the property cash flows and appreciates. The key is using conservative underwriting and ensuring every deal pays for itself.

Good luck!

@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!

@John Toretta

You're taking the right first step by surrounding yourself with experienced investors and staying eager to learn. As you get started, focus on building relationships, asking thoughtful questions, and identifying how you can add value—whether through time, skills, or capital—to grow your knowledge and opportunities in real estate.

Good luck!

 All the best!

@Daniel Jodrey

You're in a strong position with $300K in capital, no housing expenses, and time to dedicate—this is a perfect setup to make your first move. Given your background in hospitality, starting with a small multi-family or STR/MTR-friendly property in a tourist-friendly or demand-stable area (like the coast or near Portland) could align well. Focus on buying a cash-flowing deal even in today's higher-rate environment, and don't wait for perfect market conditions—getting in smart now will teach you more than waiting for an ideal moment. Consider house hacking a multi-unit, partnering on a larger property, or even doing a small value-add BRRRR to stretch your capital.

Good luck!

@Enoch Wolsey

Great question—and it’s one many house hackers wrestle with. You’re thinking like an investor, which is smart. Instead of rushing to buy a primary home (which, as Kiyosaki says, doesn’t produce income), consider staying in the duplex as long as possible to build equity and stack cash. From there, you could either buy your next property as another house hack, or use the equity to level up into your dream primary home with less financial stress.

Good luck!

@Andrew Starliper

Hey Andrew, congrats on the new baby and welcome to the world of real estate investing! With your VA loan eligibility, you're in a strong position to start house hacking—a great way to get your foot in the door with little to no down payment while living in the property. Given your flexibility and interest in markets like Dallas or Tennessee, consider transferring to a city with solid job growth and affordable housing where you can buy a small multifamily or single-family with ADU potential. That move could jumpstart your investing journey with minimal capital.

Good luck!