All Forum Posts by: Christian Tateo

Hey Chris,

Sounds like a smart pivot—Tampa/St. Pete is a great market with solid LTR potential and snowbird flexibility. You can still find duplexes/triplexes in that $350K–$500K range that cash flow, especially if you're open to value-add or up-and-coming areas like Gulfport or Seminole.

Insurance costs are up, but choosing the right property (updated roof, newer build, etc.) helps. My team at Tateo & Co. specializes in investment properties and STR/LTR hybrids along the Gulf Coast—we'd be happy to help you analyze deals, navigate insurance, and find the right fit.

Let me know if you'd like to connect!

Best,

Christian Tateo

Hey Khemraj, 

Welcome to BiggerPockets!

First off—major props to you for diving into real estate investing while raising a family. It’s no joke balancing the hustle with kids in the mix, but your drive really shows. A lot of us have been there (or still are), pushing through nap schedules and late-night research to get things moving.

Tapping into your SFH equity to start a multifamily house hack is a smart move. Targeting the Northeast while based in Tampa Bay also gives you access to some strong cash flow markets if you pick the right area.

If you ever want to brainstorm strategy, markets, or need help structuring the equity side and financing, Tateo and Co can definitely assist—we specialize in helping new investors like yourself make their first few moves confidently, especially with families in mind. You're not alone in this.

Let’s connect—happy to share some insights or just chat about balancing investing and parenthood!

Wishing you all the best on the journey,

Christian Tateo

Hey Koushik, 

Congrats on the new place and the move to rent out your current home—smart play in the Tampa market!

1. Lender notification – Since you've owned the home over a year, most lenders won’t have an issue with the conversion, but check your loan terms. Not notifying them usually isn’t a big deal, but it's something to be aware of if you plan to refi down the line.

2. Insurance – Yes, you’ll need to switch to a landlord policy, and the insurer typically notifies the lender. That’s one way they might find out, but again, it rarely causes issues if your loan is in good standing.

If you need any help navigating this or getting connected with investor-friendly lenders, insurance providers, or property managers in the area, feel free to reach out—my team at Tateo and Co is always happy to help however we can!

Wishing you a smooth transition into being a landlord!

-Christian Tateo

Hey Alex, welcome to real estate investing and to BiggerPockets! Tampa is a great market with a lot of opportunities for cash-flowing single-family homes.

A few tips to get started:
1️⃣ Run the Numbers – Make sure you analyze deals properly using the BiggerPockets rental property calculator or another tool. Factor in property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and property management if you won’t self-manage.
2️⃣ Network Locally – Join local REI meetups or check out Tampa-specific Facebook groups to connect with investors, lenders, and contractors.
3️⃣ Consider Property Management – If you’re looking for passive income, having a good PM can make a big difference.
4️⃣ Explore Financing Options – Conventional loans, DSCR loans, or private money can all be options depending on your situation.

I’m happy to connect and help analyze deals if you’d like. Are you focusing on long-term rentals or considering short-term rentals as well?

Best of luck on your journey! 🚀

Hey David, welcome to the real estate world! Coming from big tech, your problem-solving skills will be a huge asset. The biggest shift to self-employment is managing uncertainty, so having a financial runway and a clear strategy is key.

A few quick tips:
✅ Use your tech skills for market research and automation.
✅ Build a strong network—real estate is a team sport.
✅ Start with a focused strategy (house hacking, BRRRR, rentals) to gain traction faster.

If you ever need help with investment strategies, market insights, or property analysis, Tateoco is here to support you. Excited to see your journey—what market are you looking at?

Christian Tateo

Hi Kelly, 

That’s a great mindset to have! Real estate investing can feel overwhelming at first, but having a mentor can make a huge difference. A good place to start is by networking with local investors, attending meetups, or even volunteering at real estate investment groups. What specific areas of investing interest you—flipping, rentals, house hacking?

I’d also recommend checking out some BiggerPockets podcasts and books to build foundational knowledge while you search for a mentor. If you’re open to it, I’d be happy to share some insights and resources to help you get started!

Christian Tateo

Ah yes, the classic 'motivated seller air freshener'! 😆 Smells like equity waiting to happen. Hope you got a good deal—just budget for remediation and maybe a hazmat suit! 🏡💰

I would look at comparables to the house and leave a 15-25% room for the wholesale margin

Hi Adam,

You're in a great position with no debt and a strong income. The key question is balancing comfort with financial flexibility. A $600K home at current interest rates pushing your DTI high might make things tight, especially with property taxes, maintenance, and unexpected expenses.

A few things to consider:
1️⃣ Stretching vs. Stability – If this payment leaves you house-poor, would you still be able to save and invest?
2️⃣ Alternative Loan Options – Have you explored rate buy-downs, ARMs, or first-time buyer programs that could improve affordability?
3️⃣ Other Inventory – Is there a similar home slightly below $600K that would keep your payments more manageable?

If this is truly your ideal neighborhood and you plan to stay long-term, locking in now could be worth it. But if it strains your lifestyle too much, you might explore whether waiting or adjusting your price point makes sense. We’d be happy to help you explore financing options, run numbers, or find the right property that fits your budget and goals—let us know how we can assist!

Christian Tateo

Hi Jeff,

If you're still looking for home insurance for your rental in St. Pete, we specialize in both investments and insurance and would be happy to help! It’s important to find coverage that protects against rental-specific risks like loss of rent and liability. Let me know what kind of coverage you're looking for, and I’d be happy to point you in the right direction!

Christian Tateo