All Forum Posts by: Galen Herbst de Cortina

About the only place I've found something that might potentially cash flow near where I live (the valley, so west of you it sounds like) and would have consistent occupancy (not farm country) is Oxnard. Hopefully someone more experienced can speak up on this but for me it seems as though southern California is an equity play more than cash flow.

I've also been keeping an eye on HUD since I'm looking for something with a lower entry point and plan to owner occupy one of the units. Hopefully it will make for a less competitive bidding process.

I'll be there, thanks for organizing it.

I've had some time to myself between jobs and structure is way better. No real experience but I'd say build a workable base and then give yourself the freedom to chase greater returns.

Have you done the math on whether 90k works long term? The first thing I'd suggest is making sure you're aiming for the right target- it's a big number but make sure you're accounting for large expenses like college, disability, etc.

Otherwise, I'd say you need to pick between what you enjoy (wheeling and dealing it sounds like) or early retirement. One thing I've heard a lot is to make sure to have something to retire to. Maybe get some free and clear and then look for more as your retirement endeavour.

Welcome to the site! I'm in the valley so just west of you. Good luck! It seems like you have a pretty good start on a plan which can only help.

Argh I saw your message but we don't finish our move until the 29th. I hadn't counted on you being so on top of it; I'll keep my eyes open for the next one.

I'd be interested in this as well! Thanks for organizing something.

These things can be hard to answer definitively without knowing more about you  and your family- it might be worth it to check with a fee only financial planner. Check to make sure they've signed a fiduciary pledge but sometimes you can get them to answer just one question for a low price.

With that said, there are some benefits to a 529 that can make it appealing. You can keep it on your SSN if you don't already have one in your name. That way you can switch the beneficiary if things change. Also, others can contribute to it- the most common is grandparents. Contributions count towards the gift limit so they can shelter $14,000/year in an account that helps out a family member.

 Solid assumption,I I'll check it out. Thanks!