All Forum Posts by: Amika B.

Wheelbarrow Profits by Jake Stenziano and Gino Barbaro 

Hi Chad, I agree with Karl! Don't be afraid to make relationships with agents who have access to MLS. I see Karl is active in Houston and I am also active in both Houston and Austin markets. Most agents here have inside experience not just working with investors but also being investors themselves which is really helpful especially when you're new to it all. When I first started I worked with another agent and it gave me the confidence I needed to move forward.

 Shoot me a message with your contact information! 

Hi Varun, 

I'm in Houston. Let me know if that's a market you'd like to explore!

It exists! I've been seeing a lot of seller financing options on the MLS lately! I'd definitely have an agent involved especially if it's already on the MLS. This is also to your benefit to have some represent you. I've always believed everything is up for negotiation. Doesn't hurt to begin the conversation.

House-hacking is a great way to start investing! Especially at 19! FHA loans will allow you to receive a downpayment as a gift. So that's great news too. If I were you I'd get started by getting pre-approved from a lender. I'd then begin looking at the market and seeing what's out there and start running some numbers to see what is doable and what is not. This will give you a good sense of what you might be getting in to. Where are you going to school? I would be happy to help you connect with a lender and begin searching for potential properties. Shoot me a message!

I am part of eXp Realty. I love it because it provides a ton of training both on-demand and live. It has a strong referral program between agents. Allows you to purchase your own properties and keep 100% commission (great if you're an investor). And connects you with a mentor for your first 3 transactions. I am a very self-paced independent type of worker and I absolutely love working from home. eXp does not have brick and mortar buildings so if this is something that's important to you or having that clear office space, eXp will NOT be the right brokerage for you. That being said, although I work from home, I have constant support from mentors, brokers, and other colleagues across the world so I definitely don't feel like a kite flying in the wind. if you're interested in learning more let me know! I may be able to provide you with a guest pass to our platform so you can check it out :)

Hi Jahannes! Welcome to the community (and to Houston). I relocated here a year ago with my family from New York! You'll love it here! Great investment opportunities as well. 

 Hi Jingmin!

1. I constantly source properties from my hometown up in New York and also in Connecticut as well as where I live now in Houston. I picked these locations due to proximity to be honest. I know I focus on fix and flips so being able to have the option to pop in to see projects is important to me. I would never do a buy and hold in New York however as it is not a landlord friendly state. If you are hoping to own rental properties, I'd suggest looking into which states are more landlord friendly. Start there for sure. 

2. I'd hire a PM if you're investing out of state. You should have a professional on the ground. Even if you were next door, I'd still recommend hiring a PM. Factor that into your expenses. It's an added security. 

3. Ask PMs what they provide, how their fees work, their business model, how they interview and place tenants/their application process, their repair process, how they handle disputes, how they report back to you, how much they would like to keep for emergency repairs.... etc. Make a list of things you'd be worried about if you were investing out of state and what you'd like to be kept updated with in regards to your property. Ask those questions. You can always call back if you forgot to ask something. The right PM will have no problem answering all of your questions. 

The Houston market remains stable and a great place for investments. If you're interested in exploring Texas for potential investments, please let me know! I'd be happy to help :) 

Have you heard of analysis paralysis? We can get stuck in the learning process for a long time due to fear of taking risks and moving forward. When you find the right deal, go for it! Don't think you need to have a certain time spent in the "education" period of investment. There is no set time limit. If you understand what makes a good deal, you understand how the numbers work, you have interviewed and created a solid team (realtor, contractor, lender)... you are ready! You will for sure feel nervous when doing your first deal, but hopefully you will feel confident in your numbers and have great support from your team.