All Forum Posts by: Amy Hatcher

@Patrick E. Blankenship I have been doing just as you suggested. Slowly but surely I am working on creating a great team, whether with fellow investors, mentors, or just a support squad. How has joining forces been for you? Any downfalls? I’ve already been inundated with companies willing to “sell” me info on how to buy properties. Sometimes it’s difficult to differentiate between people who are genuinely trying to help, and those who are trying to skim off the top, or back, and take advantage of new people.

Thanks all. This is part of my frustration, not being able to invest in my own home town. My own neighborhood has gone up 24% since January, making it impossible for "the little guy" to get in and actually make a difference close to home. I've been looking at other areas of course, and have noticed a cooling off in several of them. Which is good, and bad. Of course, no one want a to buy at the peak and get stuck there, which is a genuine concern with the craziness that we've witnessed in the past year or so. I'd love to not only be a super successful REI, but also bring new life and pride to neighborhoods needing a little facelift. Good for them, and good for me. Any suggestions?

@Lisa Flynn I’m glad to hear the market is still going strong, but also frustrated with who/how it is happening. I’ve also been looking in Florida, among other states, as realistically there is no way to buy in Southern CA now, at least for me. I’m always willing and able to learn new markets, and new skills, it’s just been a rough time to get started. What a year!!

As the saying goes, what goes up, must come down. I've noticed houses are staying on the market longer and longer, and prices are being reduced in response. Does this mean the boom is over and we should be preparing for the bust? As a neophyte REI, I'm quite trepidation about jumping in with both feet, full force, hoping for the best. Any long term investors see a familiar cycle right now?

@Joseph Back and @Greg Parker

I am curious about a couple properties in the Montgomary area, especially a MF in 36111. Is this an up and coming area? Good investment potential?

@Natalie Runyon

I’ve been looking a lot in that area, and have found some amazingly low prices for properties. On further investigation, there is usually a reason why they are SO cheap… thus far I’ve had a hard time finding properties that walk the line between good deal financially, and nightmare neighborhood/tenants/repair costs. Any suggestions on particular neighborhoods I should check out? Or steer clear of?

@Lance Wilson

Relatively easy fix for the floors, rent a small floor scrubber/buffer from Lowe’s, Home Depot, wherever, get some dawn dish detergent, and a little bit of water. The initial run through will be messy, fair warning, but it will come up quick and easy without breaking your back scrubbing on hands and knees. Good luck!

Thanks so much! Just a little background, I live in Southern California, where prices are ASTRONOMICALLY out of control. I’m looking at properties out of state where I can at least dip my toes in the water without them being ripped off and devoured by a great white shark. Makes beginning this journey a little more difficult, but hopefully oh so worth it. 

I am on the precipice of my REI journey, and have been reading a lot about buying and rehabbing properties. My original thought was to get into "cheap" areas for immediate income, but I've since retracted that idea after extensive research. I'm very interested in buying nicer properties in nicer areas via auction, but have been told I'll likely be outbid immediately by pros who have unlimited budgets. Is there any hope for us little guys? I'd greatly appreciate any suggestions, advice, or even a little encouragement.