All Forum Posts by: Jeff C.

As someone with a background in computer security: Your instincts regarding the insecurity of sending private information via email are good.

Never send anything via email that you wouldn't feel comfortable mailing on a postcard unless you use a specialized encryption tool that encrypts data while in transit (you'd know if you were, because they're typically hard to set up and a pain to use). Normal email isn't encrypted end-to-end.

Sounds like you got a good deal, but I'd be wary of any lender who asked for sensitive data over email.

He sent one to me, too (private message and colleague request).

I've expressed no interest in commercial real estate on here (or anywhere else) and haven't interested with him in the forums. He then posted an "Please check inbox" post under a threat I created that had nothing to do with commercial real estate.

A quick look through his history shows a number of similar posts.

EDIT: Aaaaand, he's gone! That was quick. Great job, BP moderator(s)!

Please don't spam people with commercial solicitations in private messages, @Account Closed

I understand that, as a buy-and-hold investor, it is important to set aside a certain amount of cash in order to cover maintenance and capital expenditures.

It seems a bit odd, though, that these are typically expressed as a percentage of the gross monthly income. While I understand that may be a sensible saving rate, isn't there some point where one might be safe to stop setting aside funds and be reasonably 'safe'?

Or is there a reason to set aside funds in perpetuity, regardless of how much one has stockpiled?

Thanks for the insight, everyone.

I'm not too worried about selling. I'm very much going to the buy-and-hold route. Vacancy is potentially a bit more concerning, though.

The other concern I have is finding a good realtor and property management for these areas. It's pretty easy to find investor-friendly professionals for the bigger markets on BP, but not so much the smaller ones.

Hello all -

I am new to the real estate investment world and am still in the "fact finding" stage. I live in California, and my ultimate goal is to invest out-of-state (likely in Pennsylvania, Indiana, or Ohio) with buy-and-hold, 2-4 unit multi-family cash flow properties.

I am essentially debt free and have funds to get started, but wish to set myself up right for my future borrowing needs by developing a relationship with a good conventional lender. I've heard that credit unions are often more flexible with lending requirements once you get 10+ properties under your belt (portfolio loans and such).

A couple of questions:

- Is there any advantage to working with a bank local to the (out-of-state) market you plan to invest in, or is a local bank or credit union okay? I'd prefer someone I can get access to in person, esp. as many credit unions have fairly primitive online support.

- Is a bank or credit union really the best way to go for conventional lending? I'm not currently looking for private or hard money and don't expect to need that for some time.

Thanks!

Hello all -

I'm curious if anyone has any insight on small western PA markets (Edinboro, Franklin, Punxsutawney, Meadville, Clarion, Indiana, etc).

There is a lot in these forums about Pittsburgh, but finding info on some of these other areas is harder to come by. I am mainly interested in 2-4 unit multi-family properties for cash-flow purposes. Does anyone have any thoughts on the viability of these markets for cash-flow investment, what one should expect to pay per-unit for a decent property, and any "gotchas?"

I'm looking to invest from out-of-state and would like to familiarize myself with the region.

Thanks!

Hi Xander -

I'm also in the Los Angeles area and consider this a sub-par market for my preferred investment strategy (purchasing buy-and-hold rentals for cash flow). I've pretty much decided to look out-of-state for small 2-4 unit multi-family rentals, primarily in good cash-flow areas like Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana, etc. I'm still learning about these markets and how to best analyze deals.

I have the same reticence you have about being far away from one's investment and the potential for bad property management. I figure that is probably a matter of proper vetting, but it's hard to shake the initial fear. If things work out reasonably well I hope to procure additional properties in the same market, though, so ideally once I build a team up I won't have to worry so much.

If you haven't already, maybe pick up "Long-Distance Real Estate Investing: How to Buy, Rehab, and Manage Out-of-State Rental Properties" - I believe it's available from the BP store and elsewhere. I just finished reading it and found it valuable.

Fellow SoCal resident (Pasadena) here!

Just wanted to drop a line of encouragement.

My situation sounds a fair bit more stable, but even in my case I am looking to invest out-of-state. There is a lot to be said for the Los Angeles standard of living (particularly the weather!), but it's exceedingly difficult to make a return in real estate here. And to the extent that happens, it is as an appreciation play - which could be dangerous, given the timing of the market.

Would you be willing to invest out-of-state? The south and mid-west - think Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, etc. - be an option? Those seem like the sorts of places to go for consistent cash-flow (and where I am focusing my attention).

Hi Tyler -

I have no suggestions, but am interested as well. I'm also looking into out-of-state investment, particularly of the buy-and-hold cash flow sort.

I'm also located in Pasadena, so I'm particularly interested in any San Fernando Valley / San Gabriel Valley / Eastside meetups.

BTW: Welcome to Pasadena!