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All Forum Posts by: Alex Ballesteros

Alex Ballesteros has started 38 posts and replied 69 times.

Post: Learning the Market (you want to invest in), Strategies?

Alex BallesterosPosted
  • New to Real Estate
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • Posts 70
  • Votes 31
Hey Joshua, thank you for the insight. I heard the market of Indianapolis is popular for first time investors due to it being a more affordable market than most places as well as a cash flowing market. I’d love to connect & chat more if you’d like. Always trying to learn.

Originally posted by @Joshua Janus:

I would make sure that the agents you are working with are investors themselves and understand that game. If so, they will be able to guide you in the best direction for the area, yet still make sure to question them and educate yourself. What made you choose Indianapolis, IN to invest in?

Post: Pre-qualification & Pre-approval ? Questions

Alex BallesterosPosted
  • New to Real Estate
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • Posts 70
  • Votes 31
Hi Jeff, i appreciate the in depth explanation on this. It really helped my comprehend between the two perfectly.

Originally posted by @Jeff Shumway:

Prequalifications are generally not worth the paper they are written on. Many prequalifications only use stated income and/or do not run credit. A Preapproval means a lender has reviewed your credit report, income documentation (last two years W2s/tax returns, most recent 30 days paystubs), and reviewed your asset statements to verify you qualify for a loan. 

It also definitely matters who you get your approval from. Most online lenders spend more money on advertising than hiring competent staff so realtors may be less likely to advise their clients to accept your offer if they have doubts about the financing. If you are earning more money, I would definitely recommend getting an updated preapproval letter to see if you will qualify for a larger loan. 

Post: Pre-qualification & Pre-approval ? Questions

Alex BallesterosPosted
  • New to Real Estate
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • Posts 70
  • Votes 31
Thank you for answering my questions. I appreciate your expertise & insight.

Originally posted by @Charlie Beneke:

@Alex Ballesteros preapproval is considered more serious than a prequalification. Prequalification relies on self-reported information, instead of verifying by pulling your credit report or reviewing financial documents. This means being prequalified for a mortgage typically leaves you with a roundabout estimate.

Prequalified approval, pulls your credit and asks you some questions about your income and assets. Then, the lender estimates what you can afford. By checking your credit score and verifying your information this will be more accurate than a prequalification.

Usually the pre-approval is active anywhere from 60-90 days it depends on your lender.

Post: Investors in Los Angeles - Lets Network

Alex BallesterosPosted
  • New to Real Estate
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • Posts 70
  • Votes 31

Hello All, 

I am new to real estate investing & I am on the journey of purchasing my first investment property in the coming year (2022), and would love to either chat or even get coffee with any local investors in the area who would like to connect & network. I would love to learn as much as possible from anyone & their experiences. I hope to chat/ meet some of you guys! Always looking to network.


I am currently located in Hawthorne, CA (Los Angeles County), what about you?

Post: What’s my Next Step?

Alex BallesterosPosted
  • New to Real Estate
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • Posts 70
  • Votes 31
Thank you for the recommendation Matt. What type of fees do they charge? What makes them better than the rest (in your experience/ opinion)? 


Originally posted by @Matt Haman:

I invest out of state in Indianapolis and use City Place as my property management. I have no complaints so far. 

Post: What’s my Next Step?

Alex BallesterosPosted
  • New to Real Estate
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • Posts 70
  • Votes 31
Hi Jake, I am just getting started out & I'm in the process of still researching the market & educating myself on REI, but with that being said, I would love to receive more info on you & your company.. types of services offered? Fees? Philosophies? 
The reason I am on BP is to network & build my team eventually, so I would def keep you in mind when making those decisions.

Originally posted by @Jake Knight:

Hi Alex,

I'm a local Property Manager here in Indianapolis.  I would highly suggest finding/securing your whole team prior to purchasing a property that way you can rely on their expertise to give you valuable information.  Also, you'll be able to learn their fees so you can calculate all your cost correctly.  You'll want to make sure their philosophies align with what you're looking for.  Indianapolis is really inconsistent or "street by street" so professional guidance is required.  Let me know if I can be a resource.

Post: What’s my Next Step?

Alex BallesterosPosted
  • New to Real Estate
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • Posts 70
  • Votes 31
Hi Nick, I just sent you a PM. I'd love to hear all about your journey & advice.

Originally posted by @Nick Giulioni:

Hi Alex! Welcome to real estate industry. I have my first purchase here in Indianapolis. Now, I have almost a hundred doors. I would love to help and share my experiences if you're interested.

Post: Pre-qualification & Pre-approval ? Questions

Alex BallesterosPosted
  • New to Real Estate
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • Posts 70
  • Votes 31

- Are there any differences between the two?

- Does it matter who you get a pre-qualification/ approval from? I last got mine from some third-party company on Zillow, and I don't know if there are any other better alternatives or if it is the same result with any lender?

- I last got pre-qualified Feb 2020, but have made more income since then. How often should I be checking what I'm pre-qualified/ approved for?

    Post: Learning the Market (you want to invest in), Strategies?

    Alex BallesterosPosted
    • New to Real Estate
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • Posts 70
    • Votes 31

    Do you guys have any suggestions/ methods on how to best learn the market one is trying to invest in? Tips/ advice?


    I am currently looking at investing in Indianapolis, IN and I have listings coming in from agents, so now I want to study the market in order to proceed with learning how to analyze deals. I am a first time investor trying to make his first move, so feel free to comment on this as well, am I doing this in the correct order?

    Post: Indianapolis Market for Beginners

    Alex BallesterosPosted
    • New to Real Estate
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • Posts 70
    • Votes 31
    Hey Andrew, I appreciate the knowledge on the market. Do you own investment properties out there? If so, in what areas & did you choose that specific area due to a certain reason?

    Originally posted by @Andrew Hogan:

    Welcome to Indy!

    you can find a lot of cheaper deals here with high cash on cash returns compared to other areas of the country.

    Nearly 40 yrs of 3% rent growth, 2020 saw 4.7% rent growth and 2021 has seen 8.3% rent growth!
    Like any market, you need to do your research and have a team that you trust with boots on the ground.

    Happy to help if you have any questions