All Forum Posts by: Isa G.

I was listening to the Bigger Pockets Podcast show 306 and at around the 14-minute mark, they start talking about the importance of flipping in the right part of the market cycle. Brandon mentions it is ideal to flip "on the incline". I assume by "incline" he means when sale costs are starting to rise but before finding deals becomes really difficult. 

My question is two-fold: 

1) Is my understanding of this correct? What else factors into the ideal "market timing" for flipping? 

2) What other local market conditions should I look for to determine if an area is ideal for flipping? 

Thanks!

@Brian Fiorillo Thanks! I'll DM you so we can discuss the neighborhood!

@Todd Bowen I appreciate the advice! 

I'm a new investor looking for buy and hold properties in Kalamazoo, MI, and discovered what seems to be a decent opportunity. However, in my research of the neighborhood the property is in, I found Trulia's "What locals say about (neighborhood)" in which features such as "Kids play outside" and "People would walk alone at night" get a percentage ranking I assume from crowdsourced voting. 

My question is: how much stock should I put into these ratings? In your experience, are these percentages accurate and true to local perceptions about specific neighborhoods? 

I know finding the right neighborhoods to invest in is important so I'd love to hear thoughts/strategies on other ways to analyze a local neighborhood's level of safety, comfort, community, transportation, etc. 
 

@Rodolfo Goncalves, @Scott M. That makes sense that it depends regarding whether it's a sale or rental. I'm thinking about renting most likely so that's helpful to know. Also, thanks for all of the intel from your appraiser, Scott! I've only looked at three comps so it would be good for me to research this a bit further. My sense is that fireplaces aren't a must-have in Kalamazoo where I'm looking but I guess it is neighborhood/property specific. I'm sure I'll learn more as I continue analyzing properties in the area. 

@Cheryl Schlehuber I am not surprised to learn that about Northern MI. I'll keep that in mind for any future investing I do there! 

I am searching for investment properties in SW Michigan and am doing comp analysis and wondering how much $ value a fireplace adds? To be specific, my subject property has a brick fireplace but none of my comps have a fireplace so how much should I adjust my comp values based on this?

Thanks for your insight!!