All Forum Posts by: Eric Garcia

@Sean M. Chambers, Unfortunately, I can't help with a property manager but didn't know Athens was a good Airbnb market. I have an STR in the Orlando area and have been thinking about investing in Athens for student housing in the future. Was it always good for Airbnb, even before UGA won the championship? Good luck with your search.

@Luke Carl I agree. I have a case of GLS

Thanks everyone. No reason why I can’t add all three to the portfolio in due time. I will be making Tampa my next vacation spot. Market research with the wife and kids.

I just went live with my first short-term rental and it’s going well. It’s a 4/3.5 townhouse located in Davenport, Fl. Now that it’s set up, I’m thinking about the next one. Currently, my 3 options are Orlando area (Davenport, Kissimmee), Tampa, and Panama City Beach. I’d be looking for a 4/3 with private pool in Orlando area, 3/2 or 4/2-3 in PCB within walking distance to the beach and possibly a resort-style townhome in Tampa. I’d be coming in with 20% down and not afraid of a ugly duckling. It’ll be easy to stick to the Orlando area and Tampa is a bit of a mystery to me but so was Orlando not too long ago. PCB has the allure of the beach. The best cash flow is my goal. Your insight into these markets will be appreciated.  

Jacksonville is interesting. Prices seem to be all over the place but it does look like there are some gems to be found. 

It’s a tough sell to have a realtor physically look at the properties. The first one or two homes maybe. More than that is a lot to ask for. We have to value their time. My realtor in Orlando helped me shop online and when a home within a neighborhood I was interested in fell within my budget, she jumped on it. We put in an offer and did an inspection as soon as it was accepted. You have the advantage of having your brother there and there is nearly an unlimited amount of information available online. My advice is to make some offers and use your brother and the due diligence period to make your final decision. 

Congrats on deciding to make your first move as a real estate investor. I think going with a house hack is a great start. What do you define as going big? Personally, I would think twice about bringing in a partner for my personal residence. Not to say that it can’t work. It may be best to go it alone, get experience as a landlord, live rent free then go bigger on the next one and bring in a partner. 

A pool is written off as depreciation so, yes it is eligible. 

@Amedeo M. Prices vary depending on what you're looking for. I've seen sub $250K SF and Townhouses that need a little work to over $400K for 5+ bedrooms, turnkey homes. I can only tell you about the immediate vicinity around my property. The homes range from $230-$270 and generate anywhere from $20K-$40K gross p/y. $20K being the part-time Airbnb/personal-use vacation home and $40K being the Superhost. 

@Shannon Staff I'll send you a PM.