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All Forum Posts by: Jamila Thompson

Jamila Thompson has started 11 posts and replied 20 times.

Post: Identifying Profitable Cities

Jamila ThompsonPosted
  • Posts 20
  • Votes 9

Hello everyone, 

I am doing research prior to investing in my first rental property. I currently live in the NYC area, but my plan is to invest in either NJ or CT with a property in the 250K-350K range. Can anyone recommend any cities that I can look into? When identifying profitable cities, what factors do you look for? Are there any books or articles that you can recommend to aid my research? 

Thank you!

Post: Aspiring 23YO Investor in NYC

Jamila ThompsonPosted
  • Posts 20
  • Votes 9
Originally posted by @Joe Aiola:

@Jamila Thompson Very impressive getting started at 23! A multi-family house hack, as @Jon Reed, @Alex Horelick, and @Daniel Haberkost have mentioned, is a great way to get started. I would just make sure you have enough in reserves. You don't want to be struggling if you have a vacancy. I would continue to learn and save, while narrowing your focus on a few towns rather than counties/states. 25k won't get you too far between the down payment, closing costs, and reserves. Do you know anybody that you can partner with? That might be another option.

Also, I wouldn't necessarily rule out condos. If that's all you can get into, I think it's better than sitting on the sidelines. Just make sure that you can rent it when you buy it and that if the rules change down the road, that you'll be grandfathered in. The only thing that sucks about condos are the unknown HOA fees. But every investment has their own set of risks.

Best of luck!

Thanks for the feedback, Joe! How much would you recommend I allocate for a downpayment, closing costs, and reserves? 

I actually had an offer to partner with a friend on a Bronx property but declined because I was unfamiliar with how to protect myself legally. If I decide to partner with someone, what are some steps that I should take in protecting myself in the process? 

I appreciate your comment on being grandfathered in because I did not consider that. 

Thanks!

Post: Aspiring 23YO Investor in NYC

Jamila ThompsonPosted
  • Posts 20
  • Votes 9
Originally posted by @Jaysen Medhurst:

House hacking a MFR is a great way to start out, @Jamila Thompson. Condos are very difficult to cash flow due to the HOA fees and restrictions, as others in this post have pointed out. What parts of Westchester and CT are you considering? It will be challenging to find anything where the numbers work and still be reasonably close to the city. Do you see yourself commuting into GCT? Also, Westchester is beautiful, but the taxes are bonkers. Much better in CT.

Thank you for your response Jaysen. I agree entirely. In Westchester, I have been looking at White Plains and Fleetwood. In CT, I have been looking at Stamford. Yes, I do see myself commuting to GCT, so anything along the Metro-North Harlem or New Haven lines is ideal. 

I think I'll also begin considering NJ as an option. After following a few investors that focus in that area, I think it would be a good place to consider. 

Post: Aspiring 23YO Investor in NYC

Jamila ThompsonPosted
  • Posts 20
  • Votes 9
Originally posted by @Jon Reed:

With 25K... I would look at buying a 4 plex and living in one of the units. Get a FHA loan and make sure you keep $5-10K in reserves to cover any unforeseen issues.

Thank you Jon, I would definitely consider this!

Post: Aspiring 23YO Investor in NYC

Jamila ThompsonPosted
  • Posts 20
  • Votes 9

Hi everyone, I am 23 years old and I am also a civil engineer. I currently live in NYC, but I am looking to move to a property in a nicer area that can also serve as an investment property. I have been looking at Westchester and CT. I have 25K (still growing) towards this investment. Can you give me some advice on what I should look for when searching for a property? Does it matter if I choose a multifamily or a condo? 

I am a civil engineer. Graduated last year!

Post: Reaching Out to Investors as a Newbie

Jamila ThompsonPosted
  • Posts 20
  • Votes 9

Hello!

I would love to get out there and connecting with investors in the NYC area.

I learned that it’s best to offer your assistance when trying to network/connect with investors. For example, helping them find a good deal.

As an investor, how do you think it’s best for a newbie investor to approach you when he or she needs help gaining experience? How would you respond if someone asked you to walk them through a deal? What tasks would you give the newbie investor to help you through this deal?

Post: Buying Your Second Rental Home

Jamila ThompsonPosted
  • Posts 20
  • Votes 9

Hello everyone,

I am 22 years old, just graduated from college and I am currently a civil engineer in NYC. On the side, I have my own business that generated $35K so far this year. I have a credit score in the mid 700s.

Long story short, I am very interested in investing in a rental property in the Bronx. I have a little over $10,000 saved for this investment. I want to grow as a multi-family (buy and hold) investor. As a result, I’m thinking ahead and I’m a little curious as to how I can finance my second rental property.

I listen to many podcasts and hear experiences of how investors just starting out, accumulate properties at a very fast paste with little money down. In my case, I am worried that I won’t have money left to invest in a second home after I purchase my first investment property. I’m also worried that my credit score might decrease and I might have a harder time getting approved for a loan on the second property.

Has anyone had this fear and how did you overcome it? Also, I would love to hear any advice or your experiences on purchasing your second investment property utilizing the money you earned from your first rental.

Thank you.

Hello everyone, 

I am a civil engineering graduate and I am interested in pursuing an MBA in Real Estate. I want to gain more knowledge on real estate investment (I have also been reading books, such as Rich Dad Poor Dad). I personally think it will be beneficial because real estate is an expansion of my civil engineering knowledge (i.e. construction, development). I think I will be able to connect the two fields to my advantage. 

From a real estate investor perspective, do you think it is beneficial for a civil engineer to have an MBA in Real Estate and why? 

Hello, my name is Jamila and I am a senior civil engineering major in NYC (graduating this Spring). My major prepares me for a career in construction management and engineering, so I think real estate is a great way for me to grow and utilize my knowledge. I have been listening to real estate investment related podcasts and reading books. I plan on getting my real estate license. Does anyone have any suggestions on specific resources, such as affordable courses, conferences, events that I can attend to expand my knowledge? 

Also, I launched my own e-commerce business last year and made over $20,000 in sales. This year, I have been using all the strategies I learned last year and I am earning money at a faster rate. I hope to start investing this year. Any advice on how to find partners and the best places to invest in NYC and its surrounding areas? 

Thank you.