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All Forum Posts by: Allen Zhu

Allen Zhu has started 28 posts and replied 46 times.

Post: Getting started with my first investment

Allen ZhuPosted
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Posts 48
  • Votes 27
Quote from @Mick Pristas:

I can help you out, I have several cash-flowing rentals here in Greater Tampa St. Pete area. I Specialize in the BRRRR strategy. Areas like South St. Pete, West Tampa are great areas to look imo


 do you work with out of state investors or just local?

Post: Messages have been deleted???

Allen ZhuPosted
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Posts 48
  • Votes 27

i still see all your messages

Post: How did you find your PML partner?

Allen ZhuPosted
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Posts 48
  • Votes 27

pm me if you need a pml.

Post: is tallahassee a decent market?

Allen ZhuPosted
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Posts 48
  • Votes 27

im born and rasied here in tallahassee , wanted to get some insights about tallahasee real market for rentals.

thanks!

Post: Grading Neighborhoods in Columbus, OH Neighborhood

Allen ZhuPosted
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Posts 48
  • Votes 27
Quote from @Jimmy Lieu:
Quote from @Eka Akinola:

Hi 

Could I also have a copy of the map of Columbus neighborhoods.

Thanks

Eka

Hi Eka, yup no problem! I'll send you mine!


 could i have one too?

Post: New to investing

Allen ZhuPosted
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Posts 48
  • Votes 27


Im  new to investing in Columbus and noticing a lot of the homes were built in the early 1900s. My biggest concern is structural and foundation issues—should I be worried? Are foundation problems pretty common here, and what should I be looking out for when walking through these older properties? Any advice from people investing in the area would be appreciated!

Hey everyone,

I’m currently looking into buying a rental property and would love to hear what criteria you all use when evaluating potential properties, whether they’re in-state or out-of-state.

A few things I’m curious about:

  1. Location Factors: What key elements do you look for in a neighborhood or area? How do you evaluate an area you’re not familiar with, especially if it’s out-of-state?

  2. Market Conditions: How do you figure out if the local real estate market is good for buying rental properties, whether it's a buyer’s or seller’s market?

  3. Property Features: What specific features do you prioritize (number of units, square footage, amenities, etc.)? Do these differ if it’s an in-state or out-of-state property?

  4. Cash Flow & ROI: How do you calculate potential ROI and rental income? What's your ideal monthly cash flow, and does that impact your decision on location?

  5. Risk Management: For out-of-state properties, how do you manage risks like property management, maintenance, and tenant turnover?

  6. Financing & Loans: Do you approach financing any differently for in-state versus out-of-state properties?

Would love to hear your thoughts and experiences, especially any lessons you've learned along the way. Thanks!

I'm curious if anyone has seen tremendous success with out-of-state  real estate investing. From what I’ve observed, many of the most successful investors tend to focus on markets near where they’re based or in areas they’re familiar with. However, I’m wondering if anyone here has had success investing OOS in locations hundreds or even thousands of miles away and still managed to maintain solid cash flow.

Have you been able to overcome the challenges of investing in a distant market, and what strategies or systems have worked for you? I’d love to hear about any experiences where out-of-state investing has proven to be both profitable and manageable in the long run.

Post: SFH Alabama, buy and hold

Allen ZhuPosted
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Posts 48
  • Votes 27

Have you had any prior experience with section 8 or it's your first s8 rental? 

Post: Seeking Advice Birmingham AL

Allen ZhuPosted
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Posts 48
  • Votes 27

Hi everyone,
I'm looking to dive into real estate investing and would love some advice. Currently, I own a restaurant in Florida that's generating a decent income. My next goal is to implement the BRRRR (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat) method, specifically in Birmingham, AL, and focus on Section 8 properties.

With relatively good rehabs, I’m not looking to be a "slumlord"—I want to provide quality housing for tenants while also ensuring my investment is successful.

I’ve heard mixed reviews about Section 8 tenants, but I’m eager to learn more. Any insights or tips you can share about the Section 8 process, the Birmingham market, or challenges to expect? I want to make sure I’m as prepared as possible before diving in.

Thanks in advance for any advice or personal experiences you can share!