All Forum Posts by: Ethan Cooke

@James Triano

Thanks for the thorough explanation. I am particularly curious about #2. Do you know what are the main legal requirements in CA of investing with a license vs. without? Sounds like I have some homework to do...

Thanks!

Joshua Lane James Triano What are the downsides to having a RE license? Sure, it takes some effort and it may cost several hundred dollars. But it seems like it will pay for itself after a single deal. Thanks for your insight!

Jason Cummings I live in SF and own 3 single-families. Dogpatch is as desirable as ever. Good luck with the deal!

I am fairly new to BiggerPockets and really excited to network with other BP investors, especially in the San Francisco Bay Area. I would love to speak with folks who have experience in multifamily properties in northern CA, wholesaling, effective direct mailings and creative financing. Please introduce yourself and let's share experiences, goals and successes.

I am a real estate investor, father, husband and HR Director. My goal is to use real estate to put my two daughters through college and to achieve financial freedom in the next 5-8 years. Two years ago my wife and I bought a compact, 5BR single-family investment home in San Francisco, which has worked out well with positive cash flow. Then about 6 months ago we refinanced our primary home to get a down payment on another single-family investment home in SF, which we are rehabbing to rent out in February/March. 

I am looking for ways to accelerate this journey and to help others, and I realize that I need a great network of mentors and partners to do it. Thanks in advance for reaching out. 

Hi Brad - I own 3 SFR's in San Francisco including my primary residence. Would love to chat and learn more about wholesaling and your experience so far with direct mail. I have recently been tearing through the BP podcasts and @Brandon Turner's "Low and No Money Down" book and setting 2017 RE investing goals. Message me and let's connect by phone. Thanks!

@Ben Rice - 

I would be happy to connect or grab coffee. I am looking to network with other SF-area investors. Like you, I am fairly new to this REI journey. I bought my second SFH in San Francisco a year ago (my first was my home), and it cash-flowed immediately. I have now bought my third home. My strategy has been to buy relatively affordable homes (by SF standards) which:

- have several bedrooms

- do not show well

- need mostly cosmetic work

- may be located in a so-so neighborhood

- are near public transit

I found a 4BR home in a so-so neighborhood near SFSU for approximately $750K (these deals are rare but can be found). Spent $30K fixing it up and had no trouble renting it for a good cash flow.  With the improvements, it also appreciated significantly.  So far I have found that this niche works for me. I hope this helps.