All Forum Posts by: Jacob Wathen

Hello and welcome @Josepine B.! I became an agent because I wanted to learn more about the investing side of the industry. There are so many reasons that my license has benefited me so far but I would say one of the biggest is the connections I have made since becoming a full time agent. On a daily basis I speak with many investors looking for properties in my area and I get to learn from some of the top producers in the industry that have many investments under their belt. The connections you *can* make in this industry are priceless. Pay attention to who is successful within your brokerage and take them out to coffee.

Like @Corby Goade mentioned having access to the MLS is also very valuable for a variety of reasons. Take classes that will help you get to know your MLS because there are so many tools for investors that most realtors do not know how to use whatsoever.

Do you plan on working as an agent as well or just using your license to help you invest? 

I would love to be a part of this and I second Hopworks on Powell. Mainly because it is only 5 minutes away from me. There are plenty of places though. I would also suggest Cascade Brewing Barrel House, Eastside Distilling, Sessionable, and Migration Brewing. 

Hello @Aundre Short, I am a realtor in Portland, not a wholesaler. I can still answer a couple of your questions. 

1. The market is doing great pretty much state wide. There has been a major amount of appreciation in Portland, surrounding cities, as well as around the I5 corridor. 

2. Deals are not easily acquired. I would say in general homeowners think they can get top dollar for their homes and the deals that fall into your lap are the ones no one wants. As in most desirable locations you have to work hard to get good deals. 

3. There is a wide spectrum of things that investors are looking for. Many coastal cities are in dire need of rentals so people investing there would like homes with good rental potential. 

4. From what I hear from wholesalers in the area mailers and highly visible signs in "up and coming" areas are what works best in terms of marketing. 

5. Portland Metro, Eugene, Corvallis, Coos Bay, Salem, Albany, Bend, etc. 

Hello @Attila Bertalan! I grew up in Sacramento and I have quite a few contacts in the area. I mainly know established investors but I would still be happy to connect with you! 

I certainly understand the struggle Jameson! I would say your best bet at this stage is the smaller local businesses like you are saying. Most local businesses appreciate face to face interaction so if I were you I would go to a local coffee shop when it isn't super busy, order coffee and just chat up the barista. Then ask for the manager/owner and if they are not there at least ask for the owners' information and/or pass your card along. 

The whole idea is to be personable and to have the right approach. It may take 10 coffee shops until you get a decent lead but that may come down to changing up your approach. 

Hello @Austin Latty! Glad to see you are jumping into the real estate investing industry! I can connect you with a realtor in the Linn-Benton area. They would be able to send you more information about the area than I can. I know a big time investor in Corvallis. He has some major college rentals and I know the area in general has a good rental market. I would be happy to make the connection though! 

I would also like to get on your mailing list! I am always looking for off market deals for my clients. My e-mail is [email protected]. Thank you! 

Like @Tom Dunivin mentioned your realtor should be able to run comps for you. You should sift through the automatic search that your realtor sends you and shoot a couple properties that really interest you their way. 

For my motivated investor clients I have a long list of their criteria and I will actively search for properties that fit their needs. I try to send a couple properties a day that fit their criteria with comps to establish ARV as well as an analysis depending on if they are looking to flip or buy and hold. If you are motivated and pre-approved I am sure your realtor will do what it takes to send you properties that they believe are a good deal.

Hello @Jorge Reyes! I suggest connecting with a good real estate agent in the area. They will be able to answer your questions regarding the market and tell you the best areas to invest. 

Hello @EJ Hyman! I would definitely suggest for you to look into both your market and the market your good friend/partner is in. Whatever location will get you and your partner to your goals faster is the best. That is assuming that you can trust this individual to take the lead and be the boots on the ground. 

People invest out of state all the time and there are many books and forums regarding the practice. Just do your research then take calculated risks!