All Forum Posts by: CJ Letzelter

Hi Michael,

That is certainly something to think about.  Since I will add about 150 a year to the pot I am still up in the air about what is the best long run plan.  Of course there is more comfort in having a short term loan in the long run but like you say, cash flow also adds value.  When you finance, do you find its better to have equity or cash flow to appease the banks?  

Michael, I was looking cheaper but I have about 150K to start with so maybe I'll look at the 300+ range if I can find a buy in at the right price.  Do you always do 30 year fixed?  I'm trying to pay down quicker but at 15-20 years it requires a lot down but at least equity is built faster. 

Kevin, I do think it is good to invest in other countries also.  The dollar has been strong but it won't stay that way.  Will be nice to win on appreciation and exchange rate in the long run.

Great advice guys.  I am in no rush and am actively working to find deals that make financial sense.  Since I know many people in Colorado, it seems that is where I am most likely to gain leads.  I am also looking in Singapore as the market is down and seems to be a good time to buy and hold for 5-10 years and wait for China to figure things out.  

Kevin, have you thought of investing in the Philippians?

Michael,

I am worried that Colorado doesn't allow for positive cash flow unless I put a substantial down payment. That would mean the difference between 1 or 2 properties to start with. Might I ask what percentage you see as necessary to show positive cash flow from day 1 on a SFH?

Hello BP'ers,

My name is C.J. and I currently live with my family in Singapore.  Our home back in the states is Denver, Colorado.  I have been a lover of real estate through out my life.  Having had two kids later in life (47 now) I now found myself reevaluating the end game to my traveling career.  I am committed to investing wisely and am educating myself to combine the two things I have come to distinguish as important in my families lives; money and real estate.  I look forward to meeting great people and building prosperous relationships.  I am looking to invest either in Singapore or areas of the U.S.  

Hi Bill,

  I am in the information gathering process as I have not yet decided which route will be most advantageous to match with my personality type.  I have the capital to start and the ability to add substantial funds each year to future properties.   I learned from my past experiences that I am too accommodating when it comes to landlord duties.  I see this as my limiter.  Since I love real estate, building, owning and maintaining, and understand Colorado building code I keep returning to the same denominator that real estate investment is the direction for me to take.  I am wrapping up my flying career in the next 6-8 years so that I can spend more time at home with my young kids.  This is the motivating factor in my timing to start investing now.  

Diversification is my goal.  We are PR and will be eligible for an executive HDB in 2 more years.  Was planning on investing in the US first and watching the market here in Singapore.  Problem with Singapore is the capital needed seems to be a determining factor in the decision making process. 

Hi Michael,

Singapore is great.  What a wonderful place to raise young kids, exposing them to a little culture in a wonderfully safe and respectful society.  I find myself with a lot of free time so I am working to use it wisely and educate myself on real estate as and end game to my flying career.  Thinking of all the potential great deals I sold at the wrong time because of financial strains has made me slow down and take it a day at a time.  What did you do in Singapore?

Hello all,

My home is Colorado.  I currently live in Singapore with my family.  I built and own a cabin in Colorado and have owned/ built 7 homes in my life including a rental property in Western Colorado.  I am 47 years old and have set a goal to return to the U.S. in 8 years.  I love owning properties and hope broaden my scope of real estate investing by interacting with those have first hand knowledge on the subject.  Thank you for sharing your experiences with me.