Skip to content
×
PRO
Pro Members Get Full Access!
Get off the sidelines and take action in real estate investing with BiggerPockets Pro. Our comprehensive suite of tools and resources minimize mistakes, support informed decisions, and propel you to success.
Advanced networking features
Market and Deal Finder tools
Property analysis calculators
Landlord Command Center
$0
TODAY
$69.00/month when billed monthly.
$32.50/month when billed annually.
7 day free trial. Cancel anytime
Already a Pro Member? Sign in here
Pick markets, find deals, analyze and manage properties. Try BiggerPockets PRO.
x
All Forum Categories
All Forum Categories
Followed Discussions
Followed Categories
Followed People
Followed Locations
Market News & Data
General Info
Real Estate Strategies
Landlording & Rental Properties
Real Estate Professionals
Financial, Tax, & Legal
Real Estate Classifieds
Reviews & Feedback

All Forum Posts by: James Wilcox

James Wilcox has started 111 posts and replied 1270 times.

Post: Starting my Journey

James Wilcox
Agent
Posted
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Bowling Green KY ~ Lexington, KY
  • Posts 1,319
  • Votes 565
Quote from @Tyler Kesling:

Good morning BP,

I'm from a small town in Eastern KY and I'm starting my journey into the world of REI at the ripe old age of 46. I have goals of obtaining enough MF property to replace my current career by the age of 50 (I'm actually shooting for $6K/m by November of 2026 because, why not?) so I can spend more time with my wife and newborn along with travel, challenging myself, and become the largest investor in my area. I usually receive a large bonus from work in late June so July 2025 is my target date to buy my first piece of property, although I realize opportunities may arise before then. I've recently read "Think and Grow Rich", "The Millionaire Next Door", "Multi-Family Millions", along with several Grant Cardone books. Currently I'm listening to "ABCs of Real Estate Investing" and I've subscribed to the BiggerPockets podcast. From all that I've created a detailed plan to learn as much as possible before I make a purchase. One of my first orders of business is to start learning how to do market research so...

Question- what is the best way for a newcomer to learn to conduct Market Research? What all does that entail?  

Thanks in advance for your help in creating my dreams,

-Tyler

Welcome @Tyler Hockett to BP and the forums! I agree with what others have mentioned and you’re off to a great start. Those are some excellent resources you’re exploring. I’m assuming the $6K/month goal is net, not gross, which could be tough to reach in the given timeline, but it's your goal to set, not mine.

I'm curious about why you're aiming for multifamily (MF) properties, especially what I assume are larger ones. Typically, with apartment buildings, you'd need to go the syndication route and raise capital, which can be challenging without prior experience. You might be able to hit your financial targets with fewer units or smaller properties using other real REI strategies. You don't necessarily need to be the largest investor in the area but the most profitable.

When it comes to market research, I’d recommend connecting with a real estate agent or commercial brokers. They have access to valuable data and can guide you in the right direction. In addition to looking at larger market trends, focus on neighborhood or asset specific metrics like cap rates, rent-to-price ratios, and more. You can find that information online or getting with the real estate professionals in your area. Just talk with anyone and everyone and you will find your answers.

Post: BIG Investment Opportunity! 64 rentals

James Wilcox
Agent
Posted
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Bowling Green KY ~ Lexington, KY
  • Posts 1,319
  • Votes 565
Quote from @Khyler Holderbaum:

Have the opportunity to purchase 64 homes, all have renters, book of business is very profitable. 90% of the properties have new roofs. There is a full time caretaker hired for 35K a year. Comes with lawn care equipment. Maintenance guy has his electrical license and plumbing license. Seems like a great deal, located in Ashland KY. Guy is wanting me throw out an offer first. Cheapest rent is 600$ a month, to 1,200 a month. What are my purchasing options? At 60K a house that puts me at a 3.84 million dollar loan. 25% down is 960,000. Any thoughts? Should I offer this guy a 5 year plan to help him save on capital gains? Owner finance? Just a lot of variables and am relatively new to the industry. 

Thanks! 
Khyler 

I agree 100% with @Gregory Schwartz already stated. There are too many variables to give a definitive answer. If you're new to this, do you really want to take on properties of this size? Without much experience, I'd advise extreme caution. Partnering with someone local who has more expertise might be a smarter approach. Ultimately, you can make any offer you want but you do need to understand the sellers reason for selling.

Post: Hopeful Investor in the Cincinnati/NKY area

James Wilcox
Agent
Posted
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Bowling Green KY ~ Lexington, KY
  • Posts 1,319
  • Votes 565
Quote from @Ashley Dewees:

Hello all,

I live just south of Cincinnati and am hoping to find my first rental property in the northern Kentucky area. I am a veterinarian and absolutely love my career, however I feel strongly that real estate could be an excellent side-gig or even perhaps a great way to move into a second career whenever I'm ready to retire from veterinary medicine. I'm still trying to assemble my team and learn as much as I can. I'm still a little confused about the best way to finance my first buy. I do have some money in savings that I could use for a down payment, however if I use only that money, I will be quite limited in how much I can spend. If I supplement that cash with some money from a HELOC, my buying power will be significantly better. Obviously, in the current market, I understand that cash flow can be very difficult. Although I believe I can see the path to my first rental easily, I'm having a hard time figuring out how I'd get to the next one. I'm open to any and all advice!

Ashley

Hey @Ashley Dewees. It's great that you enjoy your career—keep pursuing that passion, but building a nest egg in real estate too is a great idea. A solid W2 income can be a big advantage when it comes to securing investment property loans, so it's smart that you're recognizing that. Have you spoken with a lender yet? They could likely help answer some of your questions.

I’m guessing you chose the NKY market because you want to invest close to home, and I’m sure there are plenty of opportunities there. I’d suggest finding the niche that interests you most and focusing on that. Also, consider where you can build the strongest team. Kentucky offers great opportunities all across the state.

Post: Investing agent in Lexington, Ky

James Wilcox
Agent
Posted
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Bowling Green KY ~ Lexington, KY
  • Posts 1,319
  • Votes 565
Quote from @Sam McCormack:

Just need to see if I can't find any investor agents in Lexington, Ky. Specifically for University of Ky. If you know of one or are one, shoot me a message

@Sam McCormack I cover that area and usually the BP go to for KY.

Post: Purge & Profit | Junk Removal & Property Enhancement Event

James Wilcox
Agent
Posted
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Bowling Green KY ~ Lexington, KY
  • Posts 1,319
  • Votes 565

The Power Duo Behind Junk Lovers! See You Tomorrow!

Everyone join us tomorrow for an exclusive opportunity to learn from Eddie and Kara, the dynamic husband-and-wife team who’ve turned their passion for junk removal into a thriving business, Junk Lovers.

Eddie and Kara are more than just business partners—they’re a powerhouse team with a shared mission to help homeowners, real estate agents, and investors unlock the full potential of their properties. With years of hands-on experience, they’ve tackled everything from small cleanouts to massive property transformations, always with a focus on efficiency, sustainability, and customer satisfaction. This couple has tackled a wide range of challenging projects over the years, including construction debris removal, foreclosures, evictions, and hoarder houses.

Check out their Youtube Channel!
https://www.youtube.com/@JunkLoversKY

RSVP If You Are Coming!
https://www.facebook.com/events/475291908598775/

Post: Purge & Profit | Junk Removal & Property Enhancement Event

James Wilcox
Agent
Posted
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Bowling Green KY ~ Lexington, KY
  • Posts 1,319
  • Votes 565

Join Eddie and Kara, the dynamic husband-and-wife junk removal team at Junk Lovers, for an event for how junk removal works and enhancing your property! At Purge & Profit, this event will focus on sharing the experience behind loading, hauling, recycling, donating, dumping, and cleaning major distressed properties.

Whether you're a homeowner, real estate investor, or real estate agent, Junk Lovers is here to help you maximize your property’s potential by giving you a new clean slate to work with. Their passion for junk removal and property enhancement ensures a thorough and efficient service that transforms spaces and boosts value.

Come meet other real estate agents and real estate investors to learn how large junk removal services can benefit you. Let’s clear the clutter and make room for profit together!

Light food & drink will be provided for this event.
Prize drawing for real estate book for those that attend.

Post: Short term rental best advice

James Wilcox
Agent
Posted
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Bowling Green KY ~ Lexington, KY
  • Posts 1,319
  • Votes 565
Quote from @Joshua Metzger:

Hey BP community,

We just bought our first property that we plan to use for short term rentals.  We currently have 4 long term rentals so this is the first time we will be working in the short term rental space.

A few things about the property:

1. Lake front with great views of the lake

2. Easy walk down to the dock

3. Plenty of parking above the house on a gravel lot

4. Located at the end of the dead end road

Looking for any good advice on getting started.

1. Tips to make the property stand out.

2. Things to be aware of.

3. Any other advice.

Thanks in advance,


Josh

@Joshua Metzger congrats on your first STR purchase and welcome to the BP forums.

1. Add amenities like a hot tub if not already in place.

2. Lake properties are very seasonal. Save up for the slow season in the winter. You might want to even consider shutting down and winterizing.

3. Consider a discount for your first few stays to get reviews flowing. Also, go above and beyond for these guests to get good reviews out the gate. Just don't discount to the point of attracting bad guests. Provide high value for money is the key.

Also, join the Kentucky State Airbnb Host Community on FB. This is our Airbnb official FB group.

Post: Louisville, KY mandatory inspections

James Wilcox
Agent
Posted
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Bowling Green KY ~ Lexington, KY
  • Posts 1,319
  • Votes 565
Quote from @Paul Passafiume:

https://www.wesa.fm/politics-government/2021-07-21/judge-rul...

I refuse to register and pay Metro losers a dime! Why don't they provide police protection and enforce basic laws instead of price gouge landlords providing basic human services? Do not pay them a cent, not a one of you. What they have done amounts to rent restrictions which are against KY state law. Any attorneys want in here ? PM me

I look forward to see how you fight this then.

Post: Newly Constructed SFR - Send to Investors or Lower Price to Unload

James Wilcox
Agent
Posted
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Bowling Green KY ~ Lexington, KY
  • Posts 1,319
  • Votes 565
Quote from @James Disney:
Quote from @James Wilcox:
Quote from @James Disney:

I'm a GC/new home builder in South Central Ky and new to BP.  I have built 90 - 100 new homes.

My main business strategy has been to build 1200 - 2400 sq ft new SFR as specs. (Sq Footage is determined by deed restrictions.) I am sitting on some 1850 sq ft new turnkey houses in BG, Ky. Homes are priced between $340,900 & $347K and located in a new Sub Div.

I need to move one house so I can begin the next project. So, here's my question.

1.  Should I lower the price by $5-6k and sell them the traditional route, or ...

2. Sell the house to investor/investment company looking for a new turnkey SFR?

Note - A few homes in the subdivision are rentals. HOA does not prevent rentals.

I am interested in building a relationship with an investment company or individual investors looking for new construction rentals and thought this house could be a bridge to new relationships.

Thoughts?  Who are the investors looking for new construction?

@James Disney it's great to meet a fellow James from Kentucky! It's awesome to have someone with your expertise in home building here on the forums as well. I'd love to connect and see if we can help each other out. I'm in BG too, and I specialize in working with investors. I can perform a CMA on your houses to see where you stand, which might help in your decision-making. Just in as a general rule of thumb the rental rate might be close to ~$100/sqft that might make it a tough sale for investors looking for rentals at that price point even as new construction. Give me a call or DM me though and I can share what I think is best 859-274-6406. Let's grab lunch even!


 James - I live just north of Nashville, but I'm in BG area a few days every week. The next couple of weeks are crazy.  (Daughter is getting married!) Would love to grab lunch end of Aug or early Sept.

Thanks for offering the CMA, but I've got all my comps. As you know, the $325K - $450K market in the area is a funky market. Smaller homes and larger homes are both moving much faster than the mid-size homes.

Looking forward to meeting and grabbing lunch.

No problem, and congratulations! I'm around, so there's no rush. Everything sounds good to me. Just hit me up when you're ready.

Post: Going to be doing my first 1031 exchange. Need Help where to invest it

James Wilcox
Agent
Posted
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Bowling Green KY ~ Lexington, KY
  • Posts 1,319
  • Votes 565
Quote from @Aaron Laprade:

I will soon be selling my rental condo in downtown Tampa and I should walk away with $500k. I would like recommendations as where i should go to invest it. I want to be out of Florida as I live there and have other properties here. We would like someplace family can visit 2x  a year and VRBO it the resto of the time as I should be able to have no mortgage on the property.  I have been looking at Lake Homes in Georgia and Places in Myrtle Beach as there is a direct flight from  Tampa to MB  that would be great!  Is there any recommendation on an area that I should be looking to go based on budget . My head is going to explode as not sure where is best to look at  

@Aaron Laprade I admit I might be a bit biased, but Kentucky boasts some of the top short-term rental markets in the country, according to third-party data. So, I recommend considering the Bluegrass State. However, the "best" market is ultimately the one where you can assemble the strongest real estate investment team—that's what really counts! Also, keep in mind that with a 1031 exchange, you'll have a tight timeline and specific restrictions. Be sure to consult your mediator for details or do some research on your own if you don't know the details already.