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All Forum Posts by: Eric Gerakos

Eric Gerakos has started 0 posts and replied 539 times.

Post: Best markets for cash flow

Eric GerakosPosted
  • Investor
  • Costa Mesa, CA
  • Posts 552
  • Votes 761
Quote from @Bill B.:

It would be the markets with the worst appreciation or even depreciating values. That’s why they are the best cash flowing markets. You can still buy houses in small farm towns in MN for $25k. They will cash flow like crazy. Until you have to do a major repair like a roof.  Then you might as well level it and buy another one. Of course all your cash flow is gone. So you have to sell just before that point. 

The reason other markets don’t cash flow is because the values have doubled, triple, or quadrupled in the last 10 years. 

I really suggest you change your goal from making a tiny taxable cash flow (anything less than $1,000/mo per door.) until capex eats it up. To markets where you’ll gain long term tax free wealth. 

Imagine having 10 cheap homes that cash flow $2,000/mo or $24k per year. VS one or 2  break even homes that appreciate just 4-5% ($24k/yr each). It starts with doing 10-20% of the work and paying much lower taxes. To eventually also cash flowing as rents increase. 

I think $10k/mo is good money, other people live in expensive areas or have higher taxes and need $20k. There’s no chance I would trade my 10 well performing homes for 50 or 100 homes to get the same income before the increased taxes and repairs/vacancies, etc etc. 

Time makes everyone in real estate look like a genius. Just get started in a decent appreciating market. Good luck. 

This. Fewer but better properties….

Post: Beginner REAL STATE enthusiastic

Eric GerakosPosted
  • Investor
  • Costa Mesa, CA
  • Posts 552
  • Votes 761

Getting a “real state” license is one thing. Getting a real estate license is a different kettle of fish.

Post: Realtor Selection Question

Eric GerakosPosted
  • Investor
  • Costa Mesa, CA
  • Posts 552
  • Votes 761

There is so substitute for experience.

Post: Is there anyone located in Mass who invest in OOS Apartments (10-40 units)?

Eric GerakosPosted
  • Investor
  • Costa Mesa, CA
  • Posts 552
  • Votes 761

Scaling is overrated. I suggest you buy fewer but better properties for better cash flow and appreciation. 

Post: How to get Boomers to Sell

Eric GerakosPosted
  • Investor
  • Costa Mesa, CA
  • Posts 552
  • Votes 761

You can start by not calling us Boomers, lol.

Post: A pet peeve

Eric GerakosPosted
  • Investor
  • Costa Mesa, CA
  • Posts 552
  • Votes 761

I have noticed this too. "Is this a good deal?" With no mention of price, location, rent etc.....

No. Listen to the experienced investors. Not agents trying to sell you something.

Post: is it too late to get rich slow at 61

Eric GerakosPosted
  • Investor
  • Costa Mesa, CA
  • Posts 552
  • Votes 761

Why 4 units in 4 years? Are you collecting properties or collecting money? Fewer but better properties will usually outperform more "affordable" properties. 

Post: salt water hot tub

Eric GerakosPosted
  • Investor
  • Costa Mesa, CA
  • Posts 552
  • Votes 761

We have a large salt water spa and your salesperson is wrong about the maintenance. We still need to monitor PH and it uses salt cartridges that the tub converts into chlorine. We change water every 3 months. It’s definitely not low maintenance.

Post: Detroit or Cleveland?

Eric GerakosPosted
  • Investor
  • Costa Mesa, CA
  • Posts 552
  • Votes 761
Quote from @Sofia Komrskova:

@Eric Gerakos

There are A and B neighborhoods in Detroit and Cleveland as well. They may be offered at a cheaper price point relative to the coasts but that doesn't mean that those neighborhoods haven't seen population growth and appreciation. The entirety of these cities aren't just comprised of cheap run down properties.

 The reason most inexperienced investors buy in Detroit or Cleveland is because of cheap pricing. They are usually looking at C or D properties that local agents tell them will “cash flow“ They usually don’t cash flow because of high maintenance and vacancy. I agree with you that they would usually be better off buying in A and B neighborhoods unless they live locally and know what they’re getting into.