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All Forum Posts by: John Bernabel

John Bernabel has started 4 posts and replied 14 times.

Post: Partnering on a FHA loan

John BernabelPosted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • MA
  • Posts 14
  • Votes 3

Hey everyone. 

I was talking to a family member who is interested in investing in real estate over the weekend and the conversation of partnering came up. I have the real estate knowledge, rehab knowledge, and I also have the capital for about a 10% downpayment. He has no RE knowledge, or enough cash for the downpayment, but he wants to learn and is willing to put some sweat equity. You're probably asking.. so why would I want to partner with him? well I already have an FHA loan so I couldn't get approved for another. Partnering seems like a pretty good way to get financing for more deals. With an FHA that only requires 3.5% down, it becomes much easier. Im thinking, I can put the money in for the downpayment and we go 50/50. With the right deal this seems like a win win. I grow my portfolio, and he gets to start his investing.

I know what most people look for is a partner who brings in the money, or knowledge but considering all he can offer up front is the FHA loan approval, what do you guys think? Is this partnership a good idea? In a way he's making the money available, so I personally feel like it is but id like to hear your opinions.

Any advice or tips appreciated. 

Post: How did YOU find your private lenders?

John BernabelPosted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • MA
  • Posts 14
  • Votes 3

I know there are a thousand ways to find lenders, but how did YOU find your private money lenders. I just read a post on an interesting way someone used and thought it was a great idea. He sends fliers offering a free diner & a money making seminar. He did it 6 times and from word of mouth received 12 total qualified lenders out of it. Thats a great return if you ask me. So, are your lenders just simply your family/friends? or did you have a more creative way of reaching people?

@Anton De Vries this is genius. I'm gonna need to use this.

Post: Lost My Job! Any advice?

John BernabelPosted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • MA
  • Posts 14
  • Votes 3

@david 

@David Dachteraundefined I couldn't have said that better.

Post: Lost My Job! Any advice?

John BernabelPosted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • MA
  • Posts 14
  • Votes 3

Haha I agree @kurt 

@Kurt K.undefined I found this out a long time ago, and working for myself I felt a great sense of appreciation compared to when I'm just the installer or another number at some big company.

Post: Lost My Job! Any advice?

John BernabelPosted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • MA
  • Posts 14
  • Votes 3

I started my own company as an electrical contractor a few years ago and I was picking up a ton of work. I was still working for another company but transitioning to a better paying company that paid double what I was making at the last one. The only downfall was chance of lay offs (weeks to a few months) are way more common here, which is where I'm at now. Even after a lay off id make the same income on unemployment as I did working at the other company so the jump was a no brainer. I decided working full time for a w2 and working for myself for another 6 or 8 hours at night was too draining. I stuck with the day job and stopped taking extra work for myself since I was planning on buying property. Exactly what is being mentioned here was the reason I stuck with the w2 (I've got much better chances of getting loans if you've got a predictable paycheck)

also Im not only interested in buy and hold, id like to do flips too. I've got some knowledge from studying and reading, and plenty of construction knowledge but haven't done any of my own flips yet. @jd 

@JD Martin @jeff undefined

@Jeff Burdickundefined

Post: Lost My Job! Any advice?

John BernabelPosted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • MA
  • Posts 14
  • Votes 3

Yeah I get where you guys are coming from. Being an electrician isn't the part that was soul crushing, I actually still love what I do, and I make a pretty good income. I think its the thought of still being in the field when I'm 50 looking back at my life wishing it were different. Thanks for the advice @JD Martin @Kurt K. & @Joshua D.

Post: Lost My Job! Any advice?

John BernabelPosted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • MA
  • Posts 14
  • Votes 3

Well, its been an interesting few days. I lost my job Thursday. Id appreciate any advice. I figured Monday would be the best day since 9-5'ers are at their desk probably sneaking onto BP or full time investors are connecting and helping people like me online.

A little background. I was already planning on leaving my job and going out on my own as an investor, just not this soon! I wanted at least another 2 MF's or 6-7 doors under my belt. When I say this all I hear  is "its never the right time" in my head & In a way, this lay off felt like a weight lifted off my shoulders because i've wanted to take the jump into full time real estate for a while, and this just feels like my push in the right direction. I got laid off on the same day I had planned on getting all my paperwork together for my lender for a pre-approval on a 5% conventional loan. I still gathered everything I needed, but Instead of sending all the info over to him that afternoon I decided to hold off for the weekend and really check out all my other options.  Should I take another approach? (hard money, private money,partnering,etc), or should I wait until I go back to work and go the conventional way until my portfolio is big enough?  ideas?

I have some savings but not enough for a 20% down in my area unless its something like a studio, I was going to do a 5% down conventional loan on a SFR. I currently own 1 property, 3 units which I house hack. I have equity in my property that i was going to use to help fund my next multi-family. I live just north of Boston, Massachusetts to give you a better idea of my market.

I'll probably be unemployed for 2 months at most. I'm eligible for unemployment, I live below my means so this is plenty for me. No kids, no wife. Im looking for the best way to spend my time wisely. I have the entrepreneurial mindset and "working for the man" is just soul sucking. The thought of waiting for the right time, and going back to a "secure job/paycheck" is pretty depressing to me. I have the drive and motivation to get my portfolio where I want it to be, I don't expect it to be easy nor would I want it to be. I'll enjoy the journey much more than being stuck in the rat race, but I just need some guidance on where to start.

Im mostly interested in multi-families over SFR's. I'm looking for financial independence, & after reading so many books like rich dad poor dad, the e myth, think and grow rich, and the 4 hour workweek I feel like I just can't work for the man any more. Im looking for a lifestyle change and I see an opportunity in this lay off. I feel like I've kind of rambled, but I wanted to give a decent background.

Thanks in advance for even reading! & Thanks for helping. You guys are awesome.

Post: Rookie from Chelsea, MA (The city North of Boston)

John BernabelPosted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • MA
  • Posts 14
  • Votes 3

Welcome @Felix Torres!

You'll learn a lot on here. Were in the same area, I invest in Lynn. Good luck and get out there. 

Post: Future multi family investor

John BernabelPosted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • MA
  • Posts 14
  • Votes 3
Welcome to bp edward