All Forum Posts by: Wale Lawal

@Khaled Seirafi

Phoenix is a strong market for multifamily investing due to population growth, job expansion, and landlord-friendly laws. To get familiar with the area, network through local real estate groups like AZREIA, connect with multifamily brokers, and explore neighborhoods firsthand to assess tenant demand. Key areas with strong rental demand include Central Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe, Chandler, and the West Valley. While cap rates are better than in California, finding value-add properties is crucial as prices have risen. If investing remotely, consider hiring a property manager to handle tenant and maintenance issues.

Good luck!

@Jacorion Williams

Congrats on closing your first property. Since you're using an FHA 203k loan and house hacking, focus on managing renovations efficiently to avoid delays and unexpected costs. Ensure your contractor has a clear timeline, keep extra cash reserves, and start marketing your rental rooms early. Once renovations are complete, carefully screen tenants, set clear house rules, and consider furnishing the units with utilities included to attract reliable renters. Long-term, look into refinancing once property values increase to lower your interest rate or pull equity for your next investment.

Good luck!

@Bianca Meza

It’s great that you’re already house hacking and renting to travel nurses! Since you have more time than capital right now, consider side hustles like Airbnb co-hosting, property management for other investors, or even leveraging your nursing background to consult for mid-term rental owners. These can help you build capital while gaining valuable experience. Long-term rentals are a solid choice, but mid-term rentals in medical hubs (like yours) can offer strong cash flow with less turnover. Need more specific investing strategies? DM me, and I’ll point you in the right direction!

Good luck!

@Robert Ok

Choosing between single-family homes (SFH) and multifamily properties depends on your budget, risk tolerance, and long-term goals. SFHs are easier to finance and manage but have limited cash flow and scalability. Multifamily properties provide higher rental income and lower vacancy risk, but they require higher upfront costs and more management. If you're just starting out, house hacking a duplex or SFH with an ADU can be a great way to reduce living expenses while building equity. Need help deciding which strategy fits your situation? DM me, and I'll point you in the right direction!

Good luck!

Quote from @Cameron Tope:

Quote from @Helena Goyvaerts:

Hi you! 

We are considering investing in Houston as foreign investors (from Belgium), our goal is to find and start with a long-term rental single or multi family home. We would buy this house all cash. Any recommendations when it comes to: 
- Real estate agents we should work with? 
- Property Managers that you would highly recommend? 
- A list of ZIP codes that are classified as label B areas? 

Anything you can think of that is relevant for us to know, please drop it below :) 
Thanks !! 

 @Wale Lawal is very experienced as an agent working with investors. 

I would also check out NARPM for a list of local property managers. https://www.narpm.org/about/why-use-a-narpm-member

Best of luck!

 @Cameron Tope

Thank you for the recommendation. I try my best to help as many people as possible. I know you are a great Property Manager in the Houston Area helping Landlord optimize their rental portfolio and keep units occupied.

Keep up the great work.

cc: @Morgan Tondre

Quote from @Frank Flores:

Hi Helena, 

id recommend reaching out to@Wale Lawal

He specialized in working with out of state investors and will be able to properly guide you.

 @Frank Flores Thank you for the recommendation. I try my best to help as many people as possible.

@NA NA

Since this is your first purchase, focus on finding a property where the numbers work, rather than just any deal. Look for areas with stronger rental demand, lower property taxes, and minimal HOA fees to keep expenses down. To boost income, consider mid-term rentals (travel nurses, corporate stays), renting by the room, or adding value with minor renovations. If Airbnb is your best option, choose a location with high occupancy rates and optimize pricing with dynamic tools like PriceLabs. DM me, and I'll point you in the right direction!

@Justin Sherman

If the property is in a high-demand area with rising rents and appreciation potential, it could still be a solid long-term investment despite short-term negative cash flow. Since your first house hack will cash flow when you move out, that helps balance the risk. To improve cash flow, consider a higher down payment, mid-term rentals, or renting by the room. If the numbers still don’t work, you may want to explore nearby markets with better cash flow potential or wait for interest rates to improve.

Good luck!

Quote from @Julian Thomas:

Quote from @Wale Lawal:

@Julian Thomas

You're in an amazing position by thinking about real estate this early, and with a full-ride scholarship, college is a no-brainer—it gives you time to learn, network, and build capital without debt. Major in business (with a real estate focus), start learning through books, podcasts, and investor meetups, and work on building credit and saving money while in school. Your first move at 18-21 should be house hacking (buying a small multi-family and renting out units). Focus on networking and learning from experienced investors—you're already ahead of 99% of people your age, so stay consistent and take action!

Good luck!

Thank you sm for responding. College does sound like a useful and fun experience that I would like to partake in.  How would I go about getting the money to house hack. Also, what if I can't find people to live in the home? 

House hacking is a great way to build wealth while keeping your living costs low. You can finance it with an FHA loan (3.5% down) or a conventional loan (5% down) if you plan to live in the property. If you're worried about finding tenants, focus on a location with strong rental demand, list rooms on platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Furnished Finder, and consider mid-term or short-term rentals if long-term tenants are hard to find.

Good luck!

Quote from @Kevin Bartel:

Quote from @Wale Lawal:

@Kevin Bartel

Since you're in a high-income, time-constrained position, passive investing is a strong option, but there are multiple paths depending on your goals. Syndications are great for truly passive income, offering tax benefits and diversification, but require high minimum investments and long-term commitments. Short-term rentals (STRs) can generate strong cash flow, especially in tourist-heavy areas, but come with higher upfront costs, regulatory risks, and active management needs. House hacking can reduce living expenses and build long-term wealth but won't provide significant immediate income. If your priority is passive income, syndications or out-of-state STRs in strong markets (Smoky Mountains, Gulf Coast, Scottsdale) make the most sense.

Good luck!

I like the idea of out-of-state STR in a less expensive market. Do you know people doing this? Management from afar seems like it could be challenging. Cheers.

Managing a short-term rental (STR) remotely is totally doable with the right systems. Hire a reliable co-host or property manager (15-25% of revenue), automate pricing and guest communication with tools like PriceLabs and Hospitable, and build a strong cleaning/maintenance team to handle turnovers and inspections. Smart locks and security cameras (outdoor only) add an extra layer of control. When analyzing deals, aim for 15-20% cash-on-cash return, 50-70% occupancy, and at least 2-3x your mortgage in revenue.

Good luck!