All Forum Posts by: Christopher Johanson

My situation is complicated because I want to owner-occupy for a year or two. It's complicated because I have to find a place that I WOULD LIVE IN. If I wasn't going to be living there, it wouldn't matter, but I'd rather not drastically reduce my quality of life for two years in order to kick start the investment ball rolling.

I've put some thought into combining some of the principles of traditional investing with creative investing to remedy my situation and this is what i've come up with: I would likely be able to find a great deal in a good area (that I would actually want to live in) by applying the marketing techniques of wholesaling. However, instead of turning around the distressed seller's property, I would hold it and hopefully be able to cashflow, but also have some instant equity assuming some maintenance and repair. 

 I've been working since I was 14. I've treated myself to a few nice things here and there but its good to have at least SOMETHING to sit on.. $$

I've been looking into the Worcester area. Primarily for properties that border Rt. 9 or the MassPike (because they provide easy commute out with less navigation of back roads). Worcester seems to be full of good opportunity, but I'm not sure whether buying into something 115 years old is a good bet for a first investment.

I've always believed the old phrase "You can't catch anything, if you don't get any bites." I'm curious as to see if anybody has any feedback on use of photography. I personally do semi-professional photography as a side job/hobby, and from what I've seen looking throughout local listings, there is some terrible photos on most of these listings that immediately deters me from wanting to look at them.

I imagine that with outstanding photos (That are properly staged, and well lit... )you would be able to attract a higher level of tenant/buyer to look at your property. Not because the property itself is necessarily any different, but because you grabbed their attention by "standing out" with photos. 

Feedback?

Hello Steven,

Welcome! I'm located in the MetroWest area of MA, and quite familiar with the MA areas, as I've lived here my whole life. Feel free to connect with me and bounce ideas off of me. Good conversation never hurt anyone!

Chris

Hello all,

I'm looking into starting an investment portfolio by purchasing my first MFH within an 8 month timeline. I live in MA, which is a notoriously expensive state, relatively speaking. Most of the duplexes and triplexes etc... in my area fall into two categories. They are either A) Built pre-1900 and pretty beat up... or B) Very Expensive *400k - 600k* for something half decent. 

I'm looking to owner occupy for a year or two within one of these investments, so I don't want to be forced to living in a dump just because I may not qualify for a mortgage at the higher level. I'm 21 years old, and I have about $20-25k available in the bank for my startup. 

Investors in MA relate? 

Thoughts?

Hey BiggerPockets forum members!

My name is Chris Johanson, I'm 21 years old and based in the MetroWest area of MA. I reside currently in Medfield, MA... and am looking to make my first MFH purchase within an 8 month timeline. Looking to connect with local investors in MA.

So far BiggerPockets appears to be the ideal place for questions and self-education on the web, and as such I'm certain I'll find a surplus of information here. I'm hopeful I'll eventually be able to give back to this community that's doing so much for me at present.

Connect with me!

Chris