All Forum Posts by: Danielle D.

@David Roque Thank you! That's encouraging. At this point, I can feel the butterflies coming in as the rubber gets closer to the road. Encouragement is appreciated!

@Mark Holencik Those are great suggestions. I will redo a resume specifically suited to what seems to be her expertise from the research I've done. I'll have some starter questions and let the conversation flow. Maybe I'll be surprised with something I haven't even thought of while speaking with her. I will definitely make sure to suck up my nerves and 'just ask' when the time comes though. Thank you :)

@David EbbesonHi David! Thank you. I will make time to check out those sites soon and hit you up!

Hi everyone,

Hope I ask this in a way that makes sense. I've been driving for dollars in my area and happened upon a few properties that had recently been purchased by the same woman. While taking pictures, her contractor walked out and started chatting with me. I explained what my goals were and he gave me her info and said she does this on the side and loves speaking to new investors. He highly suggested I speak with her. I spoke with her and she offered to meet with me in a few weeks and answer any questions I may have. 

In order to get my feet wet in the investment world, I figure it's best to introduce some of my money into the mix. I'd like to ask her if I can invest some of my money (a wee little bit) into one of her current houses under rehab while spending time on site. I'd like to be around her contractor, swing a hammer, pick people's brains, see how they work on a daily basis. Put sweat equity as well as my few dollars into the project. 

My question is, if you're a seasoned investor, would you be interested in something like that? If no, why not? Any other avenues you would be more open to personally when dealing with a new person?

Also, any suggestions, as to good questions/topics to have for her? She's been doing this for a while, the contractor spoke highly of her, and I even found an article in the NY Times mentioning her. I don't want to show up to the meeting and waste her time. 

Thanks in advance for any help!!! Since I've found this site, I look forward to these responses more than the stupid like my last clever comment got on facebook :)

I apologize for not having anything constructive to add except for bravo about deleting this thread! It's not the crime that gets ya, it's the cover-up. Or paper trail :)

Jeffrey Kops thanks Jeffrey!! It's flown by too fast. As I said to Roshad I'm looking for a multi family to owner occupy using VA, FHA, or traditional loan. If there's anything in Tampa that you'd like to pass along please let me know. I was looking in the south Tampa area around warren Ave but I'm pretty flexible!

Roshard Jones I'm sure your right. I'm so anxious to get into a property that it's hard for me to purely think of it as an investment. I think I'm still at an emotional stage with wanting to buy my first home. Since I'm willing to rent and living rent free for the next few months it could be good to use the time to do direct mail. Maybe I get a bite and maybe I don't but at least I'm doing something. Thanks for taking the time to reiterate that advice.

@Account Closed Navy Fed will only do 2 but I'm willing to do 4 if I choose to work with another lender. And of course find the right deal. I'm mostly looking on Realtor and an agent has an MLS search going for me so I'm pretty sure I'm just getting the dregs. If you have any tips as to where to look and find a good deal for an owner occupier, I'm all ears!

I'm jealous. Your post got so much more traction than mine! J/k. I'm actually leaving active duty myself after 8 years in the Corps. I'm assigned to Quantico and lived in Reston, VA. As much as I hate the NCR (traffic), I think it's a great area to invest if you have the wherewithal. My rinkydink one BR was 1250 for Peter's sake. Depending on where you are though I highly recommend Reston. Great area for families, bike trails, beautiful town center.... The list goes on. But anywhere you find a good deal I don't think you can go wrong. Not that I'm a fountain of knowledge but if you find yourself in that area please feel free to ask me any questions. And welcome :)

Hi everyone. Thanks for the welcome!! I've found a couple properties. Navy Fed is even willing to work with me ahead of getting to Florida. Wish me luck that I don't buy a crapper!!

Hmmm.... Seems like a few people are seeing the ghosts of '08. I had a friend tell me that she bought a house in south Florida for 80K in 2011 and recently sold it for 130. It's a market that has no obvious reasons for that kind of growth. Meanwhile, my credit wasn't good enough for a conventional loan in 2011 and I sat around waiting. Now I'm finally getting out of the military and looking to house hack a duplex/fourplex but everything I've found so far is overpriced even to my untrained eyes. I can just see the HGTV extra touches on everything. 

I've made a promise to myself to buy before 12/1 this year and I'm terrified of overpaying in this market. However, like everyone says, deals are out there. You just have to be smart and conservative enough to outlast the crazier times. Good luck to all!!

200 bucks and a few weekends? Those are awesome numbers. Congrats on taking the leap and glad it worked out well. That's inspiration for us current bystanders!!