All Forum Posts by: Melissa Wilson

Hello, I am having trouble finding active REIA groups or meetups that are actively meeting. Many of the meetup groups haven't had any recent events, or are primarily online webinar without a networking component. Does anyone have any recommendations?

I think I'm leaning towards Baltimore since it's affordable and still drivable. @Joe Norman @Tim Jacob do you all know any good PMs in Bmore? 

@Aj Parikh I will message you, I have considered Detroit since I have ties there, but it's a high risk market that is block by block and would be tough for out of state. Haven't considered other parts of Midwest though. 

Thanks to both of you for your input. I only have around 30-50k in cash that I'm willing to part with so the total price I'm aiming for is 100-200k. Technically have around 200k in home equity but I'm wary of the HELOC approach. I'll check out Frederick, Gaithersburg/Germanton. I haven't ruled out Bmore yet but would be nice to have a shorter distance to drive. I'm doing my research now, so I'm ready to pounce if(when??) prices start declining given the interest rate situation.

Hello BP community,

I am looking to pursue real estate investment more seriously and am hoping for some advice regarding investing in the DC area market versus Baltimore. My primary residence is a coop in DC (Woodley Park) purchased in 2016 and I have a rental property in Upper Fells Point Baltimore which I’ve been renting out since 2020.

I would prefer to invest in DC area (mainly considering Maryland burbs surrounding DC) due to proximity & stability, but I am wondering if it’s even possible to do effectively on my limited budget (100-200k). Should I give up hope on DC area and target Baltimore? I'm trying to settle on a target market before I flesh out the rest of my investment plan. People say DC is a great equity growth/ appreciation play but cash flow is tough. Is it even possible to cash flow with my price range? Also, I’ve noticed some condos in my price range in Silver Spring; are condos a bad play in this area (other than general issues of lack of control etc)?

Some basic facts/assumptions:

1. -Not looking to be a big time investor; would be happy with acquiring ~6 more properties to meet my goals (which is namely building enough cash for early retirement 20+ years from now); a stretch goal would be 13 properties total.
2. -Most likely not willing to house hack since I love my primary residence and it is a coop, making it somewhat of a hassle to rent out if I leave for a year at a time
3. -I plan to hire a property manager
4. -I am interested in a combination of cash flow & appreciation approach (truthfully haven’t thought out my strategy out all the way); would be nice to have some extra cash in short/mid term but again mainly care about being able to retire comfortably 20+ years from now
5. -I generally prefer slow & steady growth over high risk/high reward approach, although willing to take on moderate amount of risk

Would appreciate any advice and input! Thanks in advance.