All Forum Posts by: Alexandra Beard

What is the best software or website that provides the most reliable distressed properties on the brink of foreclosure?  

@Justin Lee Taylor gotcha, I was just curious! I actually live in Little Rock but this was the only post I've seen regarding meet-ups in central Arkansas recently. Just FYI, they have an Arkansas REI meeting today in Little Rock if you're interested.

@Justin Lee Taylor Do you know when the next meeting is?  

Hello!  I am new to the flipping scene (still in the analysis paralysis stage unfortunately).

I'm currently stuck on where to find the best deals in this current market.  I am working towards my real estate license at the moment in hopes of getting access to deals before others but even then, I'm not sure how helpful that would be with houses being sold so quickly.  Its all about getting the finances lined up (which I plan to work on later).

For now, I'm just trying to figure out where to find those distressed property deals and then I'll need to figure out the steps to acquire the property. When I look at foreclosures online, they normally say "cash only" and I dont have $100k or $200k in cash to invest at the moment. I was planning on securing a HML or PML.

Does anyone have any recommendations on the best sources to find deals and what are the best deals to search for with a HML or PML instead of cash?

I've seen ads on Facebook from people that sell database software that provide you with distressed property owner addresses (absentee, foreclosure, etc).  Has anyone had success with this and would you recommend going that route?  If so, which ones are reliable?

I want to make sure that I choose the right program before I spend $99 a month for something like that.

Sorry if I sound like I am a bit all over the place haha but again I am newer to the scene but hopefully I am thinking in the right direction.

@Miranda Holland Thank you for the information!

Thanks for your response @Andy Sabisch! I am likely going to go the HML route as I believe it is easier to secure.

I figured getting my real estate license would also help me network. J Scott gave that as his first recommendation, outside of getting access to the MLS I could potentially network with investors and work directly with them.

Yes I agree, finding distressed properties is the best way to go.  I'm just not sure how to go about finding them in this market.  I guess I could buy those database softwares that have access to absentee owners, foreclosures, pre-foreclosures, etc that some of the gurus sell but they are usually like $100 a month to access and I'm not sure who's would be the best to use in terms of accuracy and reliability. 

In terms of price range, I'd like to stay under $200k, I dont have much in savings (under $20k).  I'd likely do a cosmetic rehab for my first flip but nothing too easy like a paint job.  Likely something with a kitchen and bathroom remodel.  I dont have the contractors lined up yet.  I joined a contractors group on FB and they seem really slow to respond to work.  In addition, they are charging CRAZY prices for jobs.  I once asked for a quote to install a spiral staircase going from the first floor to the second floor and I was quote upwards of $20k excluding materials haha.  It seems many contractors are gouging their prices.  I didnt know Home Depot or Lowes provided rehab estimates?  Do you know of any other sources (preferably online) in which I could calculate rehab estimates?  In addition, do you know of any sources/formulas used for deal estimates (ie. lowest offer on a house to make a profit, highest offer on a house, etc).  Thanks so much!

I have done months of research on how to flip homes.  I read through J Scott's book, "The book on flipping houses" and I also bought a course on flipping houses as well.  

I took a 60 hour realtor's course and passed but I have yet to sit for my exam.  My plan was to get access to deals before others.

I'm currently facing a bit of analysis paralysis and I'm just not sure what to do next and if getting my real estate license is necessary to learn the flipping business (LOTS of controversy on this subject I know!)

I'd love the opportunity to partner or work with someone that I can learn from as a coach/mentor so I can feel more confident about this area of real estate.

Just a bit about me... I'm 29 and I live in Central Arkansas.  I have some connections from work experience in the state within the political arena and I have years of experience in management, sales and client operations.  Project management is my field of expertise and I thrive at time management.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this post!