Skip to content
×
PRO
Pro Members Get Full Access!
Get off the sidelines and take action in real estate investing with BiggerPockets Pro. Our comprehensive suite of tools and resources minimize mistakes, support informed decisions, and propel you to success.
Advanced networking features
Market and Deal Finder tools
Property analysis calculators
Landlord Command Center
$0
TODAY
$69.00/month when billed monthly.
$32.50/month when billed annually.
7 day free trial. Cancel anytime
Already a Pro Member? Sign in here
Pick markets, find deals, analyze and manage properties. Try BiggerPockets PRO.
x
All Forum Categories
All Forum Categories
Followed Discussions
Followed Categories
Followed People
Followed Locations
Market News & Data
General Info
Real Estate Strategies
Landlording & Rental Properties
Real Estate Professionals
Financial, Tax, & Legal
Real Estate Classifieds
Reviews & Feedback

All Forum Posts by: Chase Pickering

Chase Pickering has started 3 posts and replied 8 times.

Investment Info:

Small multi-family (2-4 units) buy & hold investment in Dallas.

Cash invested: $17,000

Contributors:
Tyler Hodgson, Kenneth McKeown

Positive cashflowing duplex in the city of Dallas, TX.

What made you interested in investing in this type of deal?

Decided to settle in Dallas, TX and I wanted a property to at least breakeven or positively cashflow while I lived there and certainly cashflow once I move out. Properties with the potential to add value and enjoy forced appreciation was also a consideration.

How did you find this deal and how did you negotiate it?

It took nearly 6 months for me to learn how to navigate the hot Dallas, TX market to find this deal. Many properties were overpriced, in poorly performing neighborhoods, or had very undesirable characteristics impacting the deal. I submitted several offers on less stellar properties before finding this one, which happened to be in a better neighborhood and had better market rents than most other multifamily homes in the greater DFW area.

How did you finance this deal?

FHA for the loan; cash for renovation.

How did you add value to the deal?

Bringing the property out of the 1990's into the new century. Opportunity to add a second master with en suite to each side by using existing unfinished space.

What was the outcome?

This property was already is good condition and needed updates for flooring, paint and fixtures to be rental ready. As time progresses, will update less significant items such as cabinet hardware and countertops, shower installs and bathroom fixtures.

Lessons learned? Challenges?

This was a straightforward deal that hinged upon a purchase price being under the appraised value. Soil settlement caused foundation movement and cracking which took about a week to repair between foundation company, carpenters and painters.

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

See contributors.

Post: Property in a Flood Zone

Chase PickeringPosted
  • Posts 10
  • Votes 8

LOMAs usually take 60 days or so if successful, so it's often something the buyer takes on after closing, and thus a risk you'll have to calculate into cashflow if you aren't successful.  Since paying the flood premiums makes a lot of folks run away fast, this can sometimes help you get a good deal if you know what information to examine.  Good Luck!

Post: Property in a Flood Zone

Chase PickeringPosted
  • Posts 10
  • Votes 8

It's zoned AE, this means it if you buy as rental you need to be sure the cashflow is there. Flipping is harder because of decreased value and higher risk.

Expenses - government backed loans have fixed flood premiums because they will force you to take out the FEMA premiums for any flood zoned property. However, in some cases there is a legal process to go through to remove the property from the flood zone and either reduce or eliminate the cost of flood premiums.

Look at the elevation certificate and determine if the lowest floor is at or above the BFE. If the lowest grade can be raised to the BFE or higher without violating residence codes (most require soil be a certain distance away from your lowest floor to prevent moisture wicking, rot, critters, and termites), then you may be eligible to get an exception from FEMA called a LOMA - if you are successful the LOMA essentially states the property is out of the flood zone and you will get normal flood premiums.

Summary: Government backed loans require the buyer to use FEMA premiums for flood zones, they will be high, and cannot be shopped through private flood insurance. Other loans have lender specific requirements. If you can find a way to get a LOMA, you may have the opportunity to reduce or remove the flood insurance costs. Further reducing expenses and risk. This would help with risk reduction for both the rental and flip strategies and may add value flippers can bank on. Self insured's still have the risk of damage if it does flood. If it's truly stuck in the FEMA AE zone, then be prepared for higher expenses, damage when it floods, and a difficult property to sell in the future.

Hello,

Buying first MFH in DFW / Dallas - Need help finding a savvy tax preparer for my situation: MFH and self employed. 

Also need a local GC/handyman if you have contacts, please send my way!

Thanks,

Chase

Hi @Tyler Hodgson - I'm moving to be closer to a major airport. DFW seems like a fine place to base out of.  

Have played in Illinois. I do not have properties in the Texas market.  Would like to start there with a multifamily.

@Ryan Blake Thanks for the tips!

Hi Mike - targeting a 30 minute or less commute from the airport.  Probably have to focus on areas like Frisco, Irving, Grapevine, Plano, Flowermound, etc. Unless there is an unbeatable killer deal further out to capture my attention.

Hello BP!

Moving to DFW and brand new to the city.  Basing in the Anatole resort until I find out where I want to be.

Any realtors or friendly locals want to make a friend (and a free coffee!) on Saturday and chat about the city?