All Forum Posts by: Elin Trinh

Hi BP Fam!

I recently changed jobs and I will have more free time (I wont be working OT on weekends) and I enjoy real estate and real estate investing. I have one SFH in Hawaii and a duplex in San Antonio. I dont have the time to be a real estate agent (and there are so many here) so was thinking about becoming an appraiser. What do you guys think? How much education is involved? How much time do I need to become 'certified'? Is it something that you can do part-time (on the weekends)? What kind of money do they make?

Thank you in advance for your help!

Welcome @Kenneth Celestin !!

Hi @Austin Kessler

I bought my first investment property out of state - I bought a duplex is in San Antonio (in May 2021) and I live on Oahu.  I could not afford to purchase a property in Hawaii and have it cash flow.  I read David Greene's Out of State Real Estate Investing book.  I would highly recommend it.  I would also recommend getting a pro-membership and analyzing A LOT of deals. I analyzed at least 100 deals before I found one that worked.  I would contact a couple of REA in the area you are interested in and have them add you to their email lists.

I am happy that I did invest out of state and I am planning on doing it in the future.  I would agree that you need a strong 'core four' - REA, lender, property manager, and contractor.  I honestly need to work on building my core four - not sure if i have an A-team yet.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Best of luck!!

Hi @Lisa Hall - that is so crazy! i was just going to post that questions too. I am in Hawaii and need a CPA that specializes in REI. I will let you know if I find someone.

Hi,

I am looking for a handyman/woman in Bexar County in San Antonio.  It will be mostly cosmetics work.  Paint, changing fixtures and ceiling fans, etc.  Is there anyone that you can refer or can you point me in the right direction?

Thank you in advance for your help!!

Hi,

I have a 3 bdrm, 2.5 bath SFH on Oahu that I rent for $3375/month ($3300 monthly rent + $75 for pets). The rent includes monthly landscaping. The tenants have been in the property for 1 year (they are military and will be here for 3 years) and they would like to extend. They have been really low maintenance and I have not had any issues with them.

Would you offer a one or two year lease?  Would you increase the rent?  How much?

Thank you in advance for your help!!

Hi BP Fam! Do you have any bank/financing recommendations for an investment property HELOC? I have a property on Oahu and would like to get a HELOC from the equity in the property. I have called a couple of banks - some wouldn't do a HELOC for an investment property. Who have you worked with or recommend. Thank you in advance for your help!!

Hi @Brennen Bridgeford

I live on Oahu and I bought a duplex in San Antonio a couple of months ago.  It is my first investment property and it was super exciting and terrifying.  I would suggest reading David Greene's book - 'Long Distance Real Estate Investing'

I agree with @Daniel Denning & @Andreis Bergeron dont get caught in analysis paralysis - I know, easier said than done.  I just keep telling myself that this property is not going to be a homerun (even tho I wish it was).  This property is to 'get the jitters out'.  Of course you need to do your homework and buy a property that makes sense (money wise) but this is just the start and each deal after will get better and better.

Warning - you are going to get sick seeing these 'cheap' houses while paying $2000/mon rent for a 2 bdrm townhouse in Hawaii.  Look on an empty stomach :)@Daniel Denning

Hi @Austin Hall - CONGRATS!!

I purchased my first investment property last month and I know the feeling of wanting to buy another right away.  I was itching the next day looking for the next one!  Good luck on your next deal!! 

@Austin Hall

Hi @Jacob Kimbrough - welcome (from a fellow newbie).  I have a duplex in San Antonio that I purchased last month.  My advice - analyze  A LOT of properties, get pre-approved, contact a real estate agent to get on their mailing list.  Best of Luck!!