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All Forum Posts by: Wale Lawal

Wale Lawal has started 82 posts and replied 4273 times.

Post: Rookie investor interested in multi-family rentals

Wale Lawal
Posted
  • Real Estate Broker
  • Houston | Dallas | Austin, TX
  • Posts 4,443
  • Votes 2,364

@Yafreisy Mejia

Selling your multifamily house hack is a great way to scale up your portfolio, and Springfield and Worcester offer solid cash-flow opportunities compared to Boston. Lower property prices, growing demand, and stable rental markets make them attractive, but be mindful of older housing stock, tenant-friendly laws, and property taxes. Consider house hacking again with an FHA loan, using the BRRRR strategy for value-add properties, or exploring out-of-state markets for higher returns.

Good luck!

Post: Is House Hacking in Union City, NJ a Good Idea?

Wale Lawal
Posted
  • Real Estate Broker
  • Houston | Dallas | Austin, TX
  • Posts 4,443
  • Votes 2,364

@Christina Chatzoglou

House hacking in Union City, NJ can be a smart move due to its strong rental demand, multifamily inventory, and commuter-friendly location. However, high property prices and steep NJ taxes mean you must carefully analyze cash flow. Look for undervalued properties, explore FHA loan options, and consider mid-term rentals to maximize income. If Union City's numbers don't work, out-of-state rentals in more affordable markets might offer better cash flow.

Good luck!

Post: Hey there! Excited to be here

Wale Lawal
Posted
  • Real Estate Broker
  • Houston | Dallas | Austin, TX
  • Posts 4,443
  • Votes 2,364

@Steven Rossi

Baltimore is a strong market for single-family rentals, offering affordability, high rental demand, and value-add opportunities. Since you're new, consider financing options like conventional loans (5-20% down), FHA loans (3.5% down for house hacking), or DSCR loans based on rental income. You might also explore BRRRR or seller financing to maximize your capital. Start by networking with investor-friendly lenders, analyzing deals for cash flow, and connecting with local investors for insights.

Good luck!

Post: New to Investing! Could I still get an FHA loan if I’ve been self employed for 1yr?

Wale Lawal
Posted
  • Real Estate Broker
  • Houston | Dallas | Austin, TX
  • Posts 4,443
  • Votes 2,364

@Alexis Canales

You're in a tough spot because FHA and most conventional lenders require two years of self-employment history, even with strong financials. One option is to find a co-signer with W-2 income to help qualify, or you could explore DSCR loans, which focus on the property's income rather than your personal income. Seller financing or a lease option could also be creative solutions if you find a willing seller. If you need more guidance, DM me, and I'll point you in the right direction!

Good luck!

Post: Paying For Repairs Before Buying

Wale Lawal
Posted
  • Real Estate Broker
  • Houston | Dallas | Austin, TX
  • Posts 4,443
  • Votes 2,364

@Anthony Loza

It’s great that you’ve found a strong deal, but paying for repairs before closing does carry risks. You may want to negotiate an escrow holdback, where the seller sets aside funds for repairs to be completed after closing, or request a repair credit. If those options aren’t available, ensure your contract includes a clause that reimburses you if the deal falls through. If you need further guidance, DM me, and I’ll point you in the right direction!

Good luck!

Post: Newbie interested in Decatur, GA

Wale Lawal
Posted
  • Real Estate Broker
  • Houston | Dallas | Austin, TX
  • Posts 4,443
  • Votes 2,364

@Nam-June Joe

You're in a strong position with excellent credit and a clear plan for purchasing a 3–5 unit multifamily property near Emory University. In addition to Decatur, consider areas like Druid Hills, Kirkwood, and East Lake, which offer good rental demand and accessibility to Emory. To prepare, start networking with investor-friendly agents, analyze local rental markets, and get familiar with financing options for multifamily properties.

Good luck!

Post: First Time Out of State Investor Looking for a Game Plan

Wale Lawal
Posted
  • Real Estate Broker
  • Houston | Dallas | Austin, TX
  • Posts 4,443
  • Votes 2,364

@Lau Cor

You're on the right track by focusing on long-term cash flow and appreciation while aiming for a break-even investment within the first year. With a $50K-$80K down payment and a DSCR loan, targeting markets like Memphis, Nashville, Knoxville, Colorado Springs, and North Carolina makes sense, as they offer strong rental demand and potential appreciation. Your next steps should include refining your criteria (property type, expected cash flow, appreciation potential), analyzing deals using DSCR lender requirements, and networking with local investors and agents.

Good luck!

Post: New Investor Analysis Questions

Wale Lawal
Posted
  • Real Estate Broker
  • Houston | Dallas | Austin, TX
  • Posts 4,443
  • Votes 2,364

@Angelyn Avignon

A duplex house hack is a great way to start investing, balancing cash flow with potential appreciation. To analyze deals effectively, focus on key metrics like cash-on-cash return, cap rate, rental yield, and expense ratios. Tools like BiggerPockets calculators, Rentometer, and local MLS data can help refine your analysis. Additionally, consider factors like vacancy rates, property taxes, and long-term market trends in your target area. If you need more guidance, DM me, and I'll point you in the right direction!

Good luck!

Post: Networking & Connecting

Wale Lawal
Posted
  • Real Estate Broker
  • Houston | Dallas | Austin, TX
  • Posts 4,443
  • Votes 2,364

@Juan Lagunas

If you're looking to connect with investors and investor-friendly agents in Houston, networking is key. As a local realtor, you can offer market insights while learning from experienced investors about strategies that work in the area. Build relationships through meetups, online forums, and direct outreach to create mutually beneficial opportunities. If you need further guidance, DM me, and I’ll point you in the right direction!

Good luck!

Post: New to RE, eager to learn

Wale Lawal
Posted
  • Real Estate Broker
  • Houston | Dallas | Austin, TX
  • Posts 4,443
  • Votes 2,364

@Cody Hamling

It's great that you've been educating yourself on real estate investing! The next step is to take action—start analyzing deals, networking with local investors, and narrowing down your target market. Don't wait until you know everything; learning through experience is key.

Good luck!