All Forum Posts by: Anderson Banegas Cerrato

Noah, I appreciate the advice—it’s solid and grounded. Starting with a duplex or getting hands-on with property management is a great way to build that foundational experience, especially to understand the landlord/tenant dynamic before jumping into larger deals.

I’m curious, in your experience, what’s been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from managing properties? And do you think the skills from managing a smaller multifamily property translate well to scaling up to 16+ units?

Thanks for the encouragement—I’m definitely in it for the long game and ready to put in the work! Let’s keep the conversation going.

Thanks for breaking this down—it’s a super helpful guide for understanding property classes and tenant pools! The Metro Detroit insights you shared provide a solid framework for anyone evaluating different markets, and it’s a great reminder of how much tenant profiles and neighborhood dynamics can impact cash flow and appreciation.

As someone focused on multifamily (16+ units), I’m curious—do you see opportunities to reposition Class C properties to Class B in Metro Detroit, or is it better to stick with stabilized assets in areas already trending upward? Also, your approach to analyzing tenant pools and vacancy rates is gold—how do you typically verify rental history and income for Class C/D tenants to minimize risk?

Would love to dive deeper into your logical approach and see how it might apply to my target markets in California. Let’s connect!

Scott, that’s some solid advice—thanks for sharing! I really like the idea of building in that 10-15% buffer for the unexpected. It’s a reminder that no matter how thorough the inspection, surprises are inevitable.

Seller financing is a great focus too—definitely seems like a powerful tool to make deals more manageable, especially on the cash flow side. Out of curiosity, what’s been your go-to strategy for finding sellers open to creative financing? And how do you typically structure those deals to make them a win-win?

Appreciate the insights! Always looking to learn more from pros like you.

@Noah Laker 

Thanks, Noah! I appreciate the warm welcome. Sounds like you’ve got a wealth of experience in multifamily—I’m definitely aiming to follow a similar path with properties in the 16+ unit range.

I’d love to pick your brain sometime about what you’ve seen working in the current market, especially when it comes to creative financing and optimizing NOI. Thanks for offering to be a resource—what’s one key piece of advice you’d give to someone just getting started in multifamily?

Thanks, Noah! I appreciate the warm welcome. Sounds like you’ve got a wealth of experience in multifamily—I’m definitely aiming to follow a similar path with properties in the 16+ unit range.

I’d love to pick your brain sometime about what you’ve seen working in the current market, especially when it comes to creative financing and optimizing NOI. Thanks for offering to be a resource—what’s one key piece of advice you’d give to someone just getting started in multifamily?

Scott, appreciate the detailed response! It’s clear you had a sharp eye for opportunity with this duplex, especially given the prime location and potential for adding value through additional bedrooms. The insight about ARV being influenced by nearby single-family properties is gold—makes total sense now.

Right now, I’m just exploring Sacramento and trying to learn as much as I can. No active projects yet, but I’m gearing up to dive into multifamily properties, ideally 16+ units, with a focus on creative financing and NOI optimization. Your approach here has definitely given me a lot to think about in terms of spotting hidden value.

Curious, with the deferred maintenance challenges you faced, was there anything unexpected that came up during the rehab that you’d approach differently next time? Would love to keep the conversation going and learn more from your experience!

“Lyons, I love seeing someone with your drive and vision diving into multifamily real estate in LA—you’re in one of the most competitive and opportunity-rich markets out there. The fact that you’re leveraging your background in property management and deal analysis is huge, especially in a city where margins can be tight, but the upside is massive.

You’re absolutely right about the market potentially shifting, and this is where those who are ready to act and think creatively win big. Your understanding of NOI, deal negotiation, and long-term strategy are assets that make you stand out.

I’m working on scaling my multifamily portfolio as well, and I’m always looking for sharp, motivated people to collaborate with. I’d love to hear more about how you approach finding these under-$2M properties and what strategies you’re implementing for operations optimization. Let’s connect—there could be real synergy here!

Also, let me know if you’re ever exploring partnerships or raising funds for a deal—I believe in combining efforts to scale faster and smarter.”

“Diana, exploring Destin and the 30A area is an exciting venture—it’s such a dynamic market for STRs! The beach access limitations have been a hot topic for investors, and it’s definitely something to dig into if you’re considering the area.

The restrictions vary by location, but they can impact guest satisfaction and demand. Many investors have had to get creative by emphasizing other property perks, like pools, proximity to local attractions, or unique experiences, to offset any beach access challenges.

It’s also worth diving into local regulations and HOA rules—they can shift quickly in coastal markets like this. Building a relationship with local real estate attorneys or agents specializing in STRs in the area can save you headaches down the line.

Are you actively looking at specific properties there, or just exploring the market for now? Let me know how I can help—STRs in areas like Destin are all about strategy!”

“Mitchel, you’re setting yourself up for success early—props to you for diving into multifamily while balancing school, baseball, and your upcoming career with EY. That drive is what sets apart winners in this game.

Starting with house hacking is a smart move, especially in a higher-cost area. It’s a low-risk entry into real estate with built-in cash flow potential. A few tips:

1. Focus on location: Look for properties near colleges or hospitals—they tend to bring consistent, reliable renters.

2. Run your numbers meticulously: As an accounting major, you’re in a prime position to analyze cash flow and ROI. Lean into that skill to find deals where others might overlook potential.

3. Network with purpose: Surround yourself with people already crushing it in multifamily—mentors and partners will accelerate your growth. Keep connecting with investors here and locally.

4. Leverage the CPA path: Your auditing and financial background will give you an edge when scaling. Investors trust someone who knows how to analyze financials and make sound decisions.

Keep your momentum going, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you want to bounce ideas or discuss a deal. Multifamily is all about relationships, and it sounds like you’re building the right foundation. Excited to see where you take this!”

“Ricardo, I like the way you’re thinking—turning a 2-unit property into a 4-unit is exactly how you create value and scale quickly. Here’s the approach I’d take, blending strategy and action:

1. Confirm the zoning limitations: Mixed-use zoning can often allow for more flexibility, but you need to get the exact details. Call the zoning department again, and this time ask specific questions: Is a variance required, or can you proceed as-is? Make sure you’re crystal clear on their requirements before moving forward.

2. Leverage local experts: Connect with an architect or zoning attorney familiar with Scranton’s rules. Sometimes they can find creative solutions or know the right way to present your case to get approvals.

3. Prepare for additional costs: If you’re adding units, you’ll likely need to address the water meter situation and possibly upgrade utilities. It’s better to build those numbers into your pro forma now so you’re not surprised later.

4. BRRRR with a bang: If you can pull this off, the value-add potential is huge. Focus on what the rents will look like post-renovation with 4 units instead of 2, and have a clear game plan for refinancing to pull your capital back out.

This is the type of deal where doing your homework upfront pays off big time later. Keep pushing on this—you’ve got a property with a lot of potential. Let me know how it turns out; I’m always looking for investors with vision like yours!”