All Forum Posts by: Brian Kebel

Hi Everyone,

What is the best way to scale my multi-unit portfolio? I currently have 2 duplexes; I acquired my first one in 2019 using a 3.5% down FHA loan, and my second one in 2021 using a 15% conventional loan. Of the 4 total units, I rent out 3 and live in the fourth.

What is the best way to grow my portfolio? I've researched refinancing my FHA loan into a conventional so that I can use the FHA again, but I've found that there is high likelihood that an underwriter will deny the loan if they think I'm trying to take advantage of the FHA program to acquire investment properties - which is exactly what I want to do.

So assuming that is not an option, are there any other strategies to scale my portfolio? At the moment, I do not have enough liquid cashflow to put 15%-20% down. Can I tap into the equity I've built up in my 2 duplexes? Are there other loan programs I can use? Are there any hard money lender programs that would fit my needs?

I'm on the verge of beginning my first house flip and was hoping someone could recommend an investor-friendly general contractor in South Jersey. Most of the posts I've seen trying to research this topic are several years old.

Try apartments.com. You can list your rental and do the entire application process online (background checks, credit checks, etc.). Then, after you select a tenant, you can create a lease using their template and setup payments so your tenant can pay rent directly through apartments.com.

Zillow is also another option. It does everything I described above, except it does not have lease templates. You therefore have to upload your own lease.

Hello All,

I bought my first duplex in December 2019. I live on the 2nd floor and have a long-term tenant on the 1st floor paying $800/month. I bought this home using an FHA loan (only put 3.5% down). I recently began thinking about buying a 2nd duplex and have a few questions.

1. I was pre-approved for a 5% down conventional loan, on the condition that I move into the 2nd duplex I plan on buying. Do you think this mortgage will be approved by the underwriters? From what I've been reading here, it seems like most people have found that you need at least a 20% down payment in order to get a 2nd mortgage.

2. Do you think this is the right move? I'm deciding between doing this and saving enough money to refinance my current FHA loan so that I can stop paying PMI and get another FHA loan

Thanks in advance.