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All Forum Posts by: Cindy Shiblie

Cindy Shiblie has started 4 posts and replied 13 times.

Post: Thoughts on investing in Little Rock

Cindy Shiblie
Pro Member
Posted
  • New to Real Estate
  • Posts 13
  • Votes 3
Quote from @Account Closed:
Quote from @Cindy Shiblie:

Thanks for your feedback. I understand the crime concerns, but why do you think traditional financing is risky? Because of the crime?

Zillow says the average price for a house in Little Rock is $215,000. Let's use that as an example. 20% down is $43,000 plus lender loan origination fees, closing costs etc is going to push you over $50,000 cash out of pocket. Your loan will be $1,100 a month, add insurance and property tax.

Average rents are $1,250 (Again Zillow) Easily a losing propostion. One broken window, one missed month of rent, one eviction, one stolen refirgerator and so on, and all you've bought is a headache. I don't know how much you will be paying a property manager but add that in. Roof repairs, broken this, broken that. All of a sudden, you bought a painful, costly experience. Flip side, for a third of that you are trained to find properties using creative finance taking over existing low interest loans that cash flow and you are buying in decent neighborhoods with every day lunch box Joes that have kids and go to work and pay rent on time. 

Not all investing is equal. Even if you aren't into creative finance, stay away from rough neighborhoods. Unless you were raised in or are from one, you have no idea. I spent 5 years tutoring in a 'hood. I know the mindset. I avoid investing in rough neighborhoods because I am a professional. Compare my bottom line to those who claim it's fine to invest where you get a $100 a month cash flow and sometimes actually even get rent. ;-) IMHO
Thank you so much for your insight. You’ve given me a lot to think about.  I appreciate you taking the time to explain this thoroughly.

Post: Thoughts on investing in Little Rock

Cindy Shiblie
Pro Member
Posted
  • New to Real Estate
  • Posts 13
  • Votes 3

Thanks for your feedback. I understand the crime concerns, but why do you think traditional financing is risky? Because of the crime?

Post: Thoughts on investing in Little Rock

Cindy Shiblie
Pro Member
Posted
  • New to Real Estate
  • Posts 13
  • Votes 3

I have an opportunity to invest in Little Rock, AR and wanted to get opinions on the area. My biggest sticking point is they have severe weather; floods, hail, tornadoes, etc. I know I can get an insurance plan, but is it worth the headache? Does anyone have any positive or negative experiences?

Post: [Calc Review] Help me analyze this deal

Cindy Shiblie
Pro Member
Posted
  • New to Real Estate
  • Posts 13
  • Votes 3

Hi Kim,

Thanks for the reply.  The condo is in move in condition and recently been renovated. My understanding in Maryland the seller provides the buyer with a copy of the COA papers at least 21 days prior to settlement and you have up to 7 days to review and pull out of the contract if you don't agree to the terms.  I do know that it does allow renters. 

It is possible to self manage since this is only few miles from my house however I did want to account for PM fees in case I needed someone else to manage. 

Thanks for the feedback.

Post: [Calc Review] Help me analyze this deal

Cindy Shiblie
Pro Member
Posted
  • New to Real Estate
  • Posts 13
  • Votes 3

would love feedback on the report I just posted.  I'm a newbie and still practicing doing the analysis and want to see if I'm on the right track.  Thank you!

Post: [Calc Review] Help me analyze this deal

Cindy Shiblie
Pro Member
Posted
  • New to Real Estate
  • Posts 13
  • Votes 3

View report

*This link comes directly from our calculators, based on information input by the member who posted.

Post: I just joined BP Pro today.

Cindy Shiblie
Pro Member
Posted
  • New to Real Estate
  • Posts 13
  • Votes 3
Quote from @Lance Petway:

No such thing as getting late in the game.  You are starting at a time that works for you.  Welcome to BP


 Thanks Lance!

Post: I just joined BP Pro today.

Cindy Shiblie
Pro Member
Posted
  • New to Real Estate
  • Posts 13
  • Votes 3

Hi everyone. I'm Cindy, a full time nurse training coordinator with another side hustle (health and wellness copywriting). As far as REI goes, here's my history: I had one buy and hold with 3 other investors, which we just sold and I was a hard money lender for one flip. That's the extent of it, so right now I'm learning/researching. My friend and I plan to partner up for this REI journey. We are starting late in the game, but have no doubt we can achieve our goals. I've already interacted with a few of you and got fantastic advice, so thank you already!

Post: I have 3 newbie questions

Cindy Shiblie
Pro Member
Posted
  • New to Real Estate
  • Posts 13
  • Votes 3
Quote from @Bob Stevens:
Quote from @Cindy Shiblie:

Hi all, I'm a newbie to Bigger Pockets and have 3 questions that came out of the 90 day challenge webinar. Here they are:

-How can I estimate reno costs if I don't have a clue on prices and I don't bring in a contractor until after I buy the home? I'm so afraid to underestimate costs.

-If you do a long term rental, how do you pay back the hard money lender/private lender (if you use one)? I understand for a flip they will get a percentage of the profit, but I'm not sure how they benefit from a buy and hold. If they get a percentage of the monthly cash flow, won't that cut too much into my profit?

-What's a good monthly passive income when calculating a deal? For example, is $150/month enough to be worth it with potential maintenance costs? $200? $300? 

I appreciate all of your help and wisdom!


 You are NOT anywhere near ready to even look at props. Get to your local RE meeting and connect with those doing deals. 

Good luck 


Agree! I'm on day 1 so I'm just getting my feet wet. Off to find REI meetings near me!

Post: I have 3 newbie questions

Cindy Shiblie
Pro Member
Posted
  • New to Real Estate
  • Posts 13
  • Votes 3
Quote from @Julie Muse:

Hi there,

 As someone who focuses more on flipping, I can definitely help tackle the cost of renovations for you. Maybe give you a few pointers

### Estimating Renovation Costs

When it comes to estimating reno costs, the inspection period is the most crucial step. Here’s what works for me:

1. **Network for Referrals**: Start by attending local meet-ups or joining Facebook groups to get referrals for good contractors. Sometimes, a local realtor can also point you in the right direction.

2. **Initial Guesstimates**: Before buying a property, bring several contractors in and let them know you’re looking for a guesstimate – just a ballpark figure. This helps you get a feel for them and their pricing.

3. **Home Inspection**: Once you have a rough estimate from the contractors, decide if it’s worth paying for a home inspection. The inspection will highlight everything that’s wrong with the property, and it’s vital to fix these issues first before tackling cosmetic updates.

4. **Detailed Bids**: After you receive the inspection report, share it with your contractors and ask for a detailed bid. Make sure their bid covers everything listed in the inspection report. Be very specific about what needs to be done to avoid any surprises later.

Following this process helps ensure that you don’t underestimate renovation costs and can plan your budget more accurately. It also helps build a good relationship with your contractors, which is invaluable in this business.

Hope this helps, and good luck with your investing journey!

Best,

Julie Muse


 This is very helpful, thank you Julie!