All Forum Posts by: Amy Raye Rogers

Deal analysis: 5 duplexes for 157k each. Market value on each is 185k. I have a line of credit I can use for the down payment. However, using that neutralizes the cash flow. I was thinking of asking for an interest only commercial note to create cash flow and 1031 the current + appreciated equity or refinance in 5-7 years. Current rents average about 1500 per bldg.  No rehab required.  Thoughts?

My local MLS just opted into Homesnap's platform. Does anyone have any experience with the concierge service for agents? I use Zillow premium agent in multiple zip codes and it performs great for me!! However, Homesnap reaches into Google & Facebook so I'd like to pick this up too if it performs well. I'd be the first one in for my market. Thanks for your thoughts!

@Jay Hinrichs all the platforms... zillow, facebook, you name it!

Our market has seen an increase in buy owner listings this spring... another possible data point toward a trend away from using agents.  Is anyone else seeing this? As an agent, I'm not thrilled... but gotta roll with the punches.  If the real estate sector is evolving, we definitely want to stay ahead of it.  I'm not confident the average consumer is proficient enough to maximize the value of their home sale DIY style.  However, technology is certainly leveling the playing field.  

We've listened to hundreds of episodes of the Podcast, many of them multiple times.  There have been many evolutions from the Josh & Brandon days to where it is now.  There is so much valuable information from over the years that anyone listening has heard everything they need to be successful as an investor.

The real gold is this:  From episode 1 we are introduced to Brandon Turner, an average mom & pop style small town investor.  Over the years we've seen his evolution in investing strategy and mindset.  It's highly relatable.  We've watched him struggle through many of the same challenges small time investors face and how he's overcome them.  He also gave us a filter on how to analyze the commentary from the guests on the show.  He inadvertently created a blue print for success.  

When we listen to moguls, it's hard to connect with because they have attained so much more than what we can conceive for those of us starting out.  The new investors that were interviewed were hard to trace to see if any of their ideas were sustainable.  Brandon is the model.  He is an average guy from an average place (no offense Brandon!)  He taught us how to think, how to analyze deals, and how to go from novice to mastery.  That is what made the podcast so special!

BP is a commercial juggernaut in real estate education now so I can't imagine we'll ever be able to recapture the beauty of the first 8 years (or the early forum days for that matter).  

Can anyone else relate? Agree or disagree?

 Great feedback. Thank you!

Well friends... we're purchasing an RV this summer and plan to rent it out through one of the RV rental services.  Anyone have experience in this area?  In our market there are 0 Class C RVs available for rent.  We had to drive 10 hours last summer to find one and it cost us about 3k for 1 week.  We feel that even with limited response we'd at least cover our costs of ownership.  Any feedback is appreciated!

Yep, we are scaling up from single family homes to small multi... one thing we have learned is to stay disciplined and buy value add.  The low interest rates lulled us into buying a couple of turn keys that now appear to be very average deals.  Always looking to force appreciate in addition to cash flow now.

1. Not sure yet.

2. Disadvantages: 1) They tend to over price, not under price, 2) They tend to be difficult to negotiate with and the process can be clunky

3. Yes, but it's up to the seller if they will pay a buyers agent commission.  Most will.  Some Realtors avoid buy owners because it's more work to guide the transaction through.  If it's a great fit for a client, I don't shy away from them.  However, I recommend using a sharp agent if you can find one to represent you. They can protect you from many potential pitfalls in negotiations.

We use commercial loans to buy SFRs all the time. Expect a higher interest rate, shorter amortization, & a balloon payment. For example, in the past we've financed houses w/ interest rates in the low 4's w/ a 5-7 year balloon payment and 20-25 year amortization. You're looking at a 75%-80% LTV usually. Call local credit unions and banks in your area to shop the best terms. It helps to provide a business plan. The balloons don't scare us. If you buy it right, you can always sell or refinance down the road. Good luck!