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All Forum Posts by: James Wilcox

James Wilcox has started 111 posts and replied 1311 times.

Post: Interested in out of state investments, looking to connect!

James Wilcox
Posted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Bowling Green KY ~ Lexington, KY
  • Posts 1,363
  • Votes 578
Quote from @Kevin Liu:

Hi Everyone, 

I'm new to REI, and I've been looking into some out-of-state investments, specifically in Indianapolis IN, Lexington KY, Fayetteville NC, and Lubbock TX.

I work full-time in tech and don’t have a background in real estate, but every day I study REI material to familiarize myself with this world. I plan to continue saving/learning until I have about 130K and purchase my first property next summer. 

I'm mostly looking to BRRRR and possibly turnkey properties, and I'm curious how remotely controlled these investments can be. I assume that I will never need to visit these markets in person and conduct all of my business through Online/Phone. Is that an unrealistic expectation, and should I fly in a few times a year?


I'd love to connect with investors and agents in these areas to further my knowledge about these particular markets. 

Hey @Kevin Liu welcome to BP and the forums! I can't speak really about the other markets but I do like Lex for a number of reasons. DM me and I can send over what I send to other OOS investors for that market.

Can you invest from a far and never see your properties? Sure. However, I feel it is best to put boots on the ground at least once to get a feel for the markets. Plus it makes for a cool vacation! With today's tech you can do everything from afar and digitally.

Post: Buying assets to cover personal expenses

James Wilcox
Posted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Bowling Green KY ~ Lexington, KY
  • Posts 1,363
  • Votes 578
Quote from @Cody Flicek:

Hey everybody! My name is Cody, I'm a 21 year old currently located in Lexington Ky. I am looking to buy small multifamily assets to cover all of my expenses and wanted yalls wisdom! I currently have about $3,000 in expenses. What would be your guy's first go to be in order to chop this number down? I do not have the capital myself to get started, however I have knowledge and TIME to provide sweat equity in a couple of deals. So how would you guys suggest I best use this time? 

I appreciate you all, thank you!

@Cody Flicek as mentioned, it all starts with tracking your expenses—which it sounds like you're already doing to some extent by knowing your monthly costs. That’s a great start, but the more detailed and accurate your data, the better positioned you’ll be.

The three biggest expense categories are typically housing, travel, and food:

Housing: Look for ways to reduce or offset this. That could mean getting a roommate, downsizing, or moving to a more affordable area.

Travel: Depending on your job or family situation, consider cutting back on fuel, maintenance, or car insurance costs.

Food: Eating out less or getting food delivery and cooking more at home can make a difference. Try to stretch your grocery budget as far as possible.

These are often easier said than done, but they move the needle more than obsessing over small expenses. Cutting out a coffee here and there won’t do nearly as much as tackling the big three, or better yet, instead of reducing expenses look to increase your income.

I’ll also echo what others have said: house hacking is one of the best entry points into real estate investing, though it’s not always easy to pull off. Still, all the info you need is out there. Go to your local REI meetups. They’re great for learning and networking.

If you ever have questions, feel free to shoot me a DM. Happy to help.

Post: Property Management Marketing vs. Other Options

James Wilcox
Posted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Bowling Green KY ~ Lexington, KY
  • Posts 1,363
  • Votes 578
Quote from @Lauren Robins:

Most of the platforms you’re considering are investor-friendly and designed to simplify the leasing process. Stessa, for example, is excellent for tracking income and expenses, but it doesn’t offer tenant screening or lease creation—so while it’s great for financial management, it’s not a complete management tool. TenantCloud stands out as a well-rounded platform for landlords who want to self-manage. It includes listing services, rent collection, lease creation, and even credit and background checks. Avail is similarly robust, offering legally compliant leases that are attorney-reviewed, as well as options for online payments and maintenance request tracking. BASELANE, while newer and slightly less established, still offers useful features like listings and tenant screening. Overall, TenantCloud and Avail are particularly well-suited for DIY landlords who want streamlined leasing and management tools.

You're right to be cautious about lease language—it's crucial for protecting yourself legally. The good news is that both TenantCloud and Avail offer lease templates that are updated regularly and designed to comply with local laws. TenantCloud’s leases are customizable and generally well-regarded, though it’s wise to review the details to ensure they match your specific property policies. Avail’s leases are crafted by legal experts and also tailored to meet local regulations, which provides an added layer of reassurance. Even with these benefits, a quick review or consultation with a local attorney can go a long way in making sure your lease covers everything you need.

Should You Manage the Property Yourself Using These Platforms?
Since you’re located near the property and have already had success with a marketing service, self-management could be a great fit. Using a platform like TenantCloud or Avail allows you to significantly reduce costs—especially when compared to paying 8–12% of monthly rent to a traditional property manager. You'll retain control over key decisions, from tenant screening to rent pricing and maintenance coordination. These platforms also offer automation tools for rent collection, communication, and maintenance tracking, freeing up your time while still keeping you involved. Being able to handle lease signing and tenant screening all in one place adds further convenience and efficiency.

Note: This information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, financial, or investment advice. No attorney-client, fiduciary, or professional relationship is established through this communication.

Stessa does have tenant screening through RentPrep now.

Post: Trying to learn wholesaling

James Wilcox
Posted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Bowling Green KY ~ Lexington, KY
  • Posts 1,363
  • Votes 578
Quote from @Nathan Nolan:

I want to try wholesaling too bc from what I'm reading, wholesalers try to make 5k-10k on each flip. Whereas as a realtor I'm making a small commission. 5-10k is way more to make on distressed properties than commission. I just want to branch out to have more side hustles than just commission. I'm trying to gain financial freedom sooner than later. 

Everything's negotiable, of course but generally, more leads mean more deals, more work, and ultimately more income. In wholesaling, you're often spending more on marketing than you would to secure a traditional listing as a real estate agent. That said, combining both strategies can make you more well-rounded. Not every property is ideal for a retail buyer, and the same goes for investors. The key is to connect with local flippers and investors so you can find the kinds of deals they're looking for. At the end of the day, it’s all a similar skill set.

Post: Trying to learn wholesaling

James Wilcox
Posted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Bowling Green KY ~ Lexington, KY
  • Posts 1,363
  • Votes 578
Quote from @Nathan Nolan:

I have spoken to my broker, he is okay with it, but he has never done it so he can't teach me.

@Nathan Nolan you could ask another wholesaler and work with them or like I said tons of stuff online. Pretty straight forward though since your used to paperwork being a Realtor lol. You sell your interest position in the property (i.e. the paper) and not the property itself. Other than that you got to find the leads. I don't really understand why you would want to be a wholesaler when you are already a Realtor. Just find the deals, put under a listing contract, and put on the MLS. That would get more eyeballs anyway and probably make more money.

Post: Trying to learn wholesaling

James Wilcox
Posted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Bowling Green KY ~ Lexington, KY
  • Posts 1,363
  • Votes 578
Quote from @Nathan Nolan:

I'm a realtor in Southern, KY trying to learn how to wholesale. Can anyone train me? I'd give a very fair cut of profit from each sale until I've learned to go on my own. 

@Nathan Nolan really there is a ton of information on that here but you should talk with your broker and make sure they are ok with you wholesaling. Not all brokerages would probably allow that even if you do have your license.

Post: The Bigger Pockets Mount Rushmore

James Wilcox
Posted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Bowling Green KY ~ Lexington, KY
  • Posts 1,363
  • Votes 578
Quote from @Scott Trench:
Quote from @Andrew Syrios:
Quote from @Nathan Gesner:

Why are the Top 3 all bald?


Hair has always been an impediment to real estate investing. That's why I'm not up there with you all... 

Holy moly! The top four ARE all bald!

REI makes your hair fall out from all the stress. :)

Post: For someone brand new to rental property

James Wilcox
Posted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Bowling Green KY ~ Lexington, KY
  • Posts 1,363
  • Votes 578
Quote from @Jackie Lambert:

Hi there! I have a friend thinking about dipping into the RE adventure. Wasn't there a book about buying a house a year at the 3% down? Then moving every year and turning it into a rental? I feel like it was either a 10-house/year plan or maybe 15. Can't remember the name of it. Anyone??

Hey @Jackie Lambert your friend is definitely on the right track but it might become more difficult at the later stages but definitely the HH is a great strategy to get started. I am happy to help your friend as well if they have any questions.

Post: Finding Kentucky Market

James Wilcox
Posted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Bowling Green KY ~ Lexington, KY
  • Posts 1,363
  • Votes 578
Quote from @Douglas Reeves:

Hello! I am new to real estate investing and recently moved to Kentucky with my wife. We have had a lot of life changes recently, including the birth of our first daughter, but currently have very little expenses as we are staying with her parents for the time being and wanted to take advantage of this opportunity to begin to create long term financial moves.

I am interested in long term rentals, single or multifamily homes and I am wondering if anyone here has experience with markets in west Kentucky and what your experience has been. I am particular interested in Murray, Hopkinsville, or Paducah just due to proximity to my current location, but am open to other options. 

I am still on the early stages of planning here, but wanted to start gathering some information on a specific market.

Thanks for any help on this!

 
 

Hey @Douglas Reeves welcome to the BP forums. I am kind of your KY go to guy around here and I am sure there are some more Western KY people around but none come to mind. I am in the Bowling Green area so somewhat close to you. Really just continue gaining knowledge, work on savings, and work on getting credit up. If you both have some current employment keep plugging away at that because a regular "job" will help you get loans with banks.

If you have any specific questions about REI or the different strategies you mentioned just DM me. Good luck in all your future REI ventures.

Post: Who has interest in Kentucky?

James Wilcox
Posted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Bowling Green KY ~ Lexington, KY
  • Posts 1,363
  • Votes 578
Quote from @Denis Ponder:
Quote from @James Wilcox:
Quote from @Denis Ponder:
Quote from @James Wilcox:
Quote from @Denis Ponder:
Quote from @James Wilcox:
Quote from @Celli Mowery:

As a BP binge listener, investor and agent, I'm curious why smaller areas of Kentucky are not receiving focus with their low land costs, & lower entry points? Ohio & Michigan were recently highlighted in the rust belt as good values that cash flow.  Kentucky should have been expanded into their calculations.  Too many people are sleeping on this.

Kentucky Economic Development has many site ready properties in smaller areas that are ripe for rentals.  Most notably, Mt Vernon, Berea, London & Corbin all along the I-75 corridor.  The Rockcastle Megasite is an example of a site ready property & is only 20 minutes north of London. https://dataispower.org/rockcastle-mega-site/.  The site is just south of Lexington, another market desperately in need of rentals but higher points of entry.

A rent heavy market, with a shortage, I am receiving regular requests for rentals in these markets.  

While smaller towns in Kentucky often have lower price points, which means less capital is required, there are limitations to the profitability of these markets. The price-to-rent ratios are generally unfavorable, and a shortage of skilled tradespeople and reliable property management can hinder the success of buy-and-hold rental investments. For instance, Berea is a charming college town, but the combination of local taxes and less favorable price-to-rent ratios makes it less appealing for investment compared to other areas in the state.

Agree here!  I grew up in Berea and lived there for 25 years.  That area shaped me and I loved it there.

That's awesome! Berea is a truly unique place in Kentucky, and I agree that it may not get the appreciation it deserves. Having graduated from BC myself, I understand the charm it holds, which can be perfect for the right person.

What year did you graduate?  I was 2003.  My brother and wife are graduates of BC as well.

2011. That's cool. Good school as they say lol. You can't beat the value at least.

Were they still calling it Harvard of the South when you were there.  LOL

Yes, exceptional value!!

Lol, yeah, pretty much. It’s a tough school with a heavy workload, but you get a solid education and learn a lot of valuable lessons. Definitely an interesting place, and as mentioned, you can’t beat the value.