All Forum Posts by: Wale Lawal

@Jayme Caldwell

It sounds like you made a strategic move by purchasing in a prime Baltimore location, but the high mortgage and current cash flow are understandably stressful. Instead of seeing this as a mistake, think of it as a short-term challenge with long-term potential—once you transition to renting by the room, your cash flow should improve. In the meantime, you could explore refinancing options when rates drop, optimize your rental rates, or consider mid-term rental strategies for traveling professionals to maximize income.

Good luck!

 @Ivette Raygoza BiggerPockets has a dedicated page on this particular topic since it's a common question and concern for most new investors that reside in an expensive market.

You can find it here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/markets

I encourage you to go through the exercise and go through the Workshop, and after that, you will get all the clarity you need to make an informed decision on which market to start from.

Feel free to send me a DM if there is anyway I can further help you.
Keep us posted on your progress and all the best

@Ivette Raygoza

Investing out of state can be a great way to find better cash flow and affordability compared to California. Start by selecting a market with strong job growth, population increases, landlord-friendly laws, and a good rent-to-price ratio—states like Texas, Tennessee, and Florida often fit these criteria. Use tools like BiggerPockets calculators, Rentometer, and Zillow to analyze deals, and consider networking with local investors, property managers, and realtors to gain insight before committing.

Good luck!

@Cade Anders

It's great that you're starting early and looking to build relationships in the Atlanta real estate market before you graduate! Networking is key in this industry, so focus on connecting with investor-friendly agents, lenders, and experienced investors through BiggerPockets, LinkedIn, and local REI meetups. As you learn, consider narrowing your investment strategy—whether it's house hacking, BRRRR, or multifamily properties—so you can hit the ground running when you move to Atlanta.

Good luck!

@Gabriel Kirby

Using your VA home loan for house hacking is a great strategy to start building a multi-family rental portfolio with little to no down payment. Focus on finding a duplex, triplex, or fourplex, live in one unit for at least a year, then rent it out and repeat the process. Look for a realtor experienced in VA loans and house hacking—they'll understand the financing, local zoning, and rental potential. DM me, and I'll point you in the right direction!

Good luck!

@Allen Zhu

When evaluating a rental property, start by analyzing the location—look for job growth, population trends, school ratings, and crime rates. For out-of-state markets, use online data (Zillow, Rentometer, Census reports) and connect with local investors or property managers. Check market conditions by analyzing inventory levels, price trends, and rent growth—buyer's markets offer better deals, while strong rental demand ensures cash flow. Prioritize properties with low maintenance costs, strong rent-to-price ratios, and desirable features like parking or in-unit laundry. For cash flow, aim for 1% of the purchase price in monthly rent or at least $200-$300/month net cash flow after expenses. Out-of-state investing requires a solid property manager to handle maintenance and tenant turnover. Financing options vary—some lenders won't finance out-of-state, so explore local banks, DSCR loans, or partnerships.

Good luck!

@Victoria C.

You're asking all the right questions as you prepare for your first rental property! For a $300K-$350K home, aim to keep $6K-$7K+ in reserves to cover unexpected repairs, vacancies, and maintenance. Property classes can vary street by street, so even in a great neighborhood, an older or smaller home might attract a different tenant profile. To avoid flood-prone areas, check Harris County Flood Control District maps for detailed historical flooding data. The best time to list a rental in Houston is spring and summer (March–August) when demand is highest, while November–January tends to be slower. If you need local resources or flood maps, DM me, and I’ll point you in the right direction!

Good luck!

@Sas Sel

You’ve built a solid foundation with your Florida investments, and shifting to another market for diversification is a smart move. Texas does have higher property taxes, but many cities still offer strong rental demand and cash-flowing properties under $300K—especially in San Antonio, Fort Worth, and some parts of Houston. You might also consider Midwest markets like Indianapolis, Kansas City, or Columbus, which have lower taxes, landlord-friendly laws, and solid cash flow potential. If you need help narrowing down the best TX cities or alternative markets, DM me and I’ll point you in the right direction!

Good luck!

@Scott Trench

In Texas, the market varies by location, but in many areas, buyers are gaining more leverage, especially in higher-priced multifamily properties due to rising interest rates and increased inventory. While some markets, like DFW and Austin, are still competitive for well-priced properties, sellers are becoming more flexible with concessions and price reductions in certain segments. If you're looking in Texas, now might be a good time to negotiate strong terms.

Good luck!

@Rishabh C.

Both Round Rock and Leander have strong investment potential, but the best choice depends on your priorities. Round Rock West commands higher prices due to its top-rated schools, established neighborhoods, and strong appreciation history, making it a solid long-term investment. Leander, on the other hand, offers larger, newer homes at a more affordable price with ongoing growth potential, but school ratings vary by neighborhood.

For rental demand, Round Rock has a stronger track record due to its proximity to major employers like Dell and tech hubs, while Leander is expanding quickly, which could mean more appreciation over time. If you're concerned about soil quality, Round Rock East does have expansive clay soil, so proper foundation checks are essential. If you need further help, DM me, and I’ll point you in the right direction!

Good luck!