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All Forum Posts by: Jay Orlauski

Jay Orlauski has started 20 posts and replied 430 times.

Post: Meetup group in the Central Valley

Jay OrlauskiPosted
  • Realtor
  • Fresno, CA
  • Posts 468
  • Votes 223

I would consider a Saturday meeting if enough people showed interest - my goal is to try to find a time that would accommodate the most people I can so that we have good attendance.

ALSO - I've been thinking about some ideas for the group and something that I think would be awesome is to bring a new deal in each week to analyse - these would be real deals - really on the market and available for investing in. We could discuss all the pros and cons and run some numbers and talk about different ideas concerning how to finance it or develop it - If anyone in the group decides to get it or wants to partner up with someone else on it,  they will have an opportunity to do so. If not- we simply learn from it or even find a way to wholesale it - either way - the point is to get our synergistic energies flowing .. get creative ideas... and start thinking in new ways about investing that we may not have thought of or been exposed to.  I am looking forward to getting this kicked off.. and I will be in touch with some of you next week about getting together to discuss some ideas.    

Post: Meetup group in the Central Valley

Jay OrlauskiPosted
  • Realtor
  • Fresno, CA
  • Posts 468
  • Votes 223

Thanks Anmmar... I'll have to look into those.. do you know if they charge a fee to use those facilities? 

Post: Meetup group in the Central Valley

Jay OrlauskiPosted
  • Realtor
  • Fresno, CA
  • Posts 468
  • Votes 223

Wow!! I can't believe all the great responses I am getting already. I am definitely going to start one up here in Fresno. I have always wanted to get a group like this together and it appears that I am not the only one.   Thanks to everyone who is offering to assist with getting it kicked off - I will be calling on you to help me pick a good place and line up some discussions so we can hit the ground running.  

Post: Meetup group in the Central Valley

Jay OrlauskiPosted
  • Realtor
  • Fresno, CA
  • Posts 468
  • Votes 223

Thank you Jason -  that would be great. Perhaps we can work together to choose interesting topics.  

Post: Meetup group in the Central Valley

Jay OrlauskiPosted
  • Realtor
  • Fresno, CA
  • Posts 468
  • Votes 223

I was wondering if anybody would interested in joining a Bigger Pockets meetup group here in the Central Valley -  Specifically Fresno - I am surprised to see that there are very so few Bigger Pockets meetup groups around the country and would really like to start one locally up so we can get some like minded thinkers under the same roof at the same time.  

I am also trying to determine the best days and times to hold the meetings - many meetings I have seen held at night don't have as much participation cause members prefer to stay home with family in the evening -  except maybe on a Friday night - so looking for ideas of what time frame works best - typically , I prefer to have a lunch meeting so everyone is already  out and about , and it doesn't interfere with family time and typically have larger turn outs.  

If anyone in the area is interested, please let me know - I have been to a few investor groups in the past , but they only happen once a month and in the evening - I am looking to start up something during the day and have weekly get togethers where we can talk about whats new on the market , talk to local hard money lenders and builders, and just create an environment where investors can share ideas and resources. Raise your hand if you think you would be interested in showing up to a meeting like this. 

Post: Tired of House Flipping... What About Land Flipping?

Jay OrlauskiPosted
  • Realtor
  • Fresno, CA
  • Posts 468
  • Votes 223

Sounds legit at first glance. But remember , just like any flip , you need to get in cheap -  but additionally with land, you have to have the fortitude to hold on to it until it sells - which with vacant land can be a very long time if its not priced right. Also, because most land is not financeable, your going need cash buyers too. Iv'e been thinking of some land behind my property that already has approved plans for an 11 unit multiplex -  it's been sitting there for 5 years now ( at least)  - I know I would be stuck with it though unless I could manage to connect with some investors who can finance the 11 unit multiplex. I suppose if you could get it cheap enough to still sell for below market - you may have good shot - I've learned in real estate to not  ever dismiss any potential deals - just when you say it can't be done - along comes someone who has made millions doing it. 

Post: Newbie real estate investor

Jay OrlauskiPosted
  • Realtor
  • Fresno, CA
  • Posts 468
  • Votes 223

Just read your profile  - excellent story. I have a feeling you will do well in this industry - you've already taken the first step of determining that this is what you want to do and you followed it up by connecting with the most dynamic investors forum on the internet. 

Post: Newbie real estate investor

Jay OrlauskiPosted
  • Realtor
  • Fresno, CA
  • Posts 468
  • Votes 223

Welcome to the club Jessica - you certainly sound like the have the fire for this. Washington is beautiful - I used to live in Tacoma and I have some family there in Kent, very close to you.  I have considered buying some investments in that area .. would be nice to know someone who has their finger on the pulse of rentals. Just keep coming to the site and reading about other's experiences and just soak up all the good info there is here and you will soon learn what it takes to grow in this industry - Best of luck to you - We look forward to hearing about your success stories. 

Post: The psychology of "Do it yourself"

Jay OrlauskiPosted
  • Realtor
  • Fresno, CA
  • Posts 468
  • Votes 223

I think it's great that you like to DIY - I think it is part what got you where you are today by having that mindset. As you have read, it can indeed pay to have someone else performing chores while you could be doing something else that is far more valuable - but I also think it comes down to personal choice and also depends a lot on where you are in real estate business. For example, if you are just starting out and aren't really making much an hour AND you enjoy doing the work - then I think it makes a lot of sense to tackle some things on your own.   The personal joy you get out of making things shiny and new again is a difficult to quantify in terms of money - many times when I'm in the yard doing my own yard work for my tri-plex - I often think that I could be paying someone to do it while I do something else - but the truth is - I really enjoy working in the yard - so much so that sometimes I almost feel guilty for spending time there and not doing something else.  But then I think about the joy I get out of it and realize , that I do what I do so that I CAN enjoy small moments like that. Now if your real estate empire is growing, and your time becomes more valuable and scarce - the benefits of outsourcing will start making sense to you and you will pick and choose the things you prefer to keep your hands on. One thing I always keep in mind is knowing where to draw the line and understanding my own limitations - there are many chores that I do with out a second thought -however, every now and then a task come up that I know I need to bring in a professional - I don't do roof repairs or anything that has to do with the outside electrical - even though I have no problem replacing lights, sockets, ceiling fans , etc. Sometimes I look at a project and know that I need some outside help - it helps a lot when you have the equipment and know what your doing - but there is a lot to be said about learning new skills too. I think in the end , it is something that you will have to decide for yourself and determine - when you find yourself face to face with a  gaping toilet hole drain - you really start to rethink your DIY strategies - but afterwards - its hard to not take personal satisfaction in the fact that you just saved $200 by handling the problem on your own.  

Hi Jeff,

I'm not sure you've already seen this or not, but I have found it useful from time to time for quick and dirty estimates - Its a heat map of rental prices and home prices ( I wouldn't depend on the home value info as it is not as up to date as the MLS) and other statistical data about an area - hope this is helpful

http://www.trulia.com/real_estate/Ardmore-Pennsylvania/