All Forum Posts by: Andrew Collins

@Derek Jones

Thank you for the advice on looking homes sitting too long that are priced high and the area codes!

Thank you all for the insight and helpful comments!

Matt,

 I hadn't even considered the benefits of living on a main street in Oak Park. That's definitely something I'll consider going forward. Also, I'll be working in Midtown, so the traffic isn't quite as bad as downtown but still definitely something to consider. (Un)fortunately, I'll probably be leaving the office before and after the typical work day as well.

@Kelli Foley,

Thank you for all the information and keeping an eye out! I will be adding those area codes to my search list! I have been looking at 203ks as well, I'll do some more research into it, but I'm struggling to estimate what rehab will be approved for and FHA and what won't.

In response to your question, I have driven around most areas of Sacramento (I'm in Davis now) and have noticed there seem to be pockets of nicer neighborhoods mixed in many areas. Because I'm not entirely familiar with these areas, it's difficult to differentiate what looks like a good area and what actually is a low crime area.

Honestly, I don't have too much time for activities. But I do enjoy large social events (food festivals).Also, I'll be drafting a letter to potential sellers letting them know a little bit about me. Thank you!

Hi BP!

This is my first post, though I've been listening to the podcasts for a while now. A big thanks to Brandon and Josh for what they do!

I'm a recent (non real-estate) law school graduate taking the bar at the end of the month. In August, I'm moving to Sacramento for a new job and looking at investing there. I've figured out my financing (FHA supplemented by cash) and I'm looking to buy a SRF in the Sacramento and share it with a renter. I'm looking to purchase for 160k or less.

I've been having some difficulties finding a place with my agent and have a few questions:

1) I've been looking on the MLS and it seems that every decent property in my price range is snapped up immediately. I've also put in an offer on a property only to be been drastically outbid. Does anybody have experience successfully buying with non-cash in this price range in the Sacramento area?

2) I know I'm priced out of Down/midtown and East Sacramento. It also looks like a lot of North Sacramento is dangerous. Any ideas on neighborhoods that are reasonably safe in my price range? I have been looking at West Sacramento and some parts of Oak Park.

3) Does anybody in Sacramento have experience finding FHA properties in Sacramento using anything other than the MLS and Craigslist?

Thanks in advance for your advice!