All Forum Posts by: Andrew Bukowski

Hello BP,

I have posted on the forums before with a great influx of support along with motivation, and these are two things that I am looking for as I am looking to buy my first property!  I have had the opportunity to meet great people on here, @Rob Suhai showed me a property in Hopatcong, NJ however it was a SERIOUS 'fixer-upper' and out of my budget when it came to renovations.  On that note, I am looking for strong guidance, someone I can meet with in person that has the experience and knowledge that can be relayed to a first time buyer/investor! And hopefully build a strong relationship for more deals in the future! Now for some backstory; starting 4/1/17, I will be renting a room via craigslist in Morristown, NJ which is on a MTM basis, just recently I sold a large percentage of my co-owned valet company, and with the tax season, I am looking to use this cash to buy.  I want my first buy to be SMART, hence the guidance.  Renting this room will allow me to take my time when conducting research on the market, versus jumping into something that may lead to regret.  I am not working with that much of a down payment (25K-30K), a reasonable amount but keeps me at a lower budget.  I want to buy a property that I can live in and either create a second unit, rent out the bedrooms, only to reduce my own income going into the property/mortgage.  So I am stuck between three things I would say; a 2-3 unit house, a house with 2-4+ bedrooms that I can rent out any additional bedrooms at the market value, or a one unit house that can 'easily' be converted into two units.  I don't have any preference on the three, it comes down to the deal and location.  I am wondering, as a first time home buyer, if I should use this leverage to put less of a percentage down, allowing me to buy something of higher value, or to put +/-20% down and buy something I know I can handle financially.  No matter what, even if it is a 2 bedroom, I will be renting out the second bedroom.  I want this to be an investment property of any scale.  I currently work in RE (JLL), I have focused my career path towards RE, and after selling my share in my business, I want to reinvest.  I want to find someone that knows the tricks of the trade, what is a good deal versus bad, strong knowledge of the NNJ area, etc etc.  Before I make this any longer, I am very very serious about buying, I would like to in the next 3-6 months, I currently live in Hopatcong, NJ, I work in Bedminster, NJ, so areas such as Hopatcong, Stanhope, Netcong, Morristown and surrounding area, and even more down south, Bridgewater, NJ etc.  It all comes down to the deal, I don't have a preference in location (I really like Morristown however), for the time being, I am not interested in Bergen and Hudson Counties due to the distance to my work (Bedminster, although I love out east, its the golden coast).  I hope to hear from the group soon and genuinely looking forward to working alongside a fellow BP member (please excuse any informalities).

Best 

@Steve Carlos Great to know a strong network of individuals are on here! As big of a company as JLL is, its still a small world! Apologies for the delayed response, however with the holidays I have been quite busy! Are you looking to focus your efforts in Montclair and the surrounding area?

Thanks @Charanjit Singh!

@Cheryl Schuck Thanks Cheryl! I believe Morristown may be out of my budget now unfortunately, however some of the surrounding areas I am open to! I will keep your contact in mind for the near future! @Johnathan Boyle Thanks Johnathan, I have been a member for a few months now, and yes, I understand that a first RE investment can be a 'scary' one, with that said, someone I would not mind some direction from an individual with a proven track record. Thanks @Odie Ayaga!

Hello All,

With great hopes something successful can come out of this post, I will leave the below message;

Currently 26 years old with a desire to begin my personal real estate investing career mid-2017. I currently work in real estate as an analyst (JLL), I have ultimately dedicated my 'career path' to this field (RE in general). I am looking to make my first income property purchase, however I find to be able to have a mentor and/or guidance in the process, would only aid in the processes. I am focusing on NNJ (Northern New Jersey) as this is the area I am familiar with and reside in, more focused, in the Morristown, Hopatcong, Newark markets (we can discuss these specific markets and why I choose them at a later time). I would not say I am beginning from 'scratch' because I am knowledgeable in RE, however when it comes to $, I would like to work alongside someone with a proven track record. I am looking for something that I can either 100% lease, or a 2-3 unit that I can live in myself. I am looking for the classic 'fixer upper' due to my father being in the carpenters union so I obtained general knowledge of design and construction (I also had a short 'career' with the union so I find this as only beneficial). I am extremely interested in exchanging contact information, making connections, getting coffee/lunch to discuss visions/goals. Please contact me through here for my contact information!

Hello All,

With great hopes something successful can come out of this post, I will leave the below message;

Currently 26 years old with a desire to begin my personal real estate investing career mid-2017.  I currently work in real estate as an analyst (JLL), I have ultimately dedicated my 'career path' to this field (RE in general).  I am looking to make my first income property purchase, however I find to be able to have a mentor and/or guidance in the process, would only aid in the processes.  I am focusing on NNJ (Northern New Jersey) as this is the area I am familiar with and reside in, more focused, in the Morristown, Hopatcong, Newark markets (we can discuss these specific markets and why I choose them at a later time).  I would not say I am beginning from 'scratch' because I am knowledgeable in RE, however when it comes to $, I would like to work alongside someone with a proven track record.  I am looking for something that I can either 100% lease, or a 2-3 unit that I can live in myself. I am looking for the classic 'fixer upper' due to my father being in the carpenters union so I obtained general knowledge of design and construction (I also had a short 'career' with the union so I find this as only beneficial).  I am extremely interested in exchanging contact information, making connections, getting coffee/lunch to discuss visions/goals.  Please contact me through here for my contact information!

@Account Closed

I believe the 'job marketplace' is more on the end of seeking to fulfill positions, although a few fellow members have reached out to me!  Hopefully my search can come to an end soon enough! thanks for the votes and request also.

Thank you very much @Account Closed !

To Fellow BP Members,

My experience derives from my previous education at Rutgers University-Newark where I graduated with a degree in economics. Besides from my formal education, I have participated in two internships, one with Group Twenty-Six (a Bergen County based brokerage firm) as a 'Real Estate Analyst', along with an extensive internship with Morgan Stanley. Most recently I finished a contracted term with Manhattan based brokerage firm Rosewood Realty as a 'Research Associate'. Upon graduating I have dedicated my career path towards the respective industry, and as of recently have been troubled in finding my first full-time career, with hopes there are individuals on BP, whether it be themselves or a network of individuals that can guide me in the right direction. My long-term career goals are to personally develop mutlifamiles and beyond, so a career path in development is extremely ideal.  Although something as simple as an administrative assistant/ personal assistant I would highly consider under the right parameters, as this would aid in building my resume for the future.  I have more then a interest in real estate, I have a genuine passion, this is a key asset to who I am as a potential employee, not only am I looking for a 'career'/monetary value, I am looking for a firm or individual to be mentored by, a role in which I can truly learn the trade of the industry. Any help goes a long way, and this is very serious, below is my email, please feel free to reach out to me. If needed please request my resume via email, and/or references for a stronger consideration.

Sincerely,

Andrew Bukowski

[email protected]

@Richard Adams thanks for the response! and congratulations, its never too late to pull the first trigger! on that note south jersey has great opportunities I find especially in rentals in the shore areas (a cape may weekly house rental has ridiculous numbers!).  On that note I will be sure to stay updated on the functions you attend!