All Forum Posts by: Jennifer B.

Hi Daniel,

Separate accounts.  And get a good life insurance policy.  Then by all means teach her the ropes of how you are handling your real estate investments.  It certainly wouldn't hurt to discuss Plan B if you should perish -sell, she manages, or turn over to management company.  

I have managed our rentals for over a decade (I'm also a realtor).  My hubby knows basically what I do, but if I were to pass, he'd most likely just sell all our properties because he'd be busy with 3 kids and also have plenty of $$ from my life insurance.  Just my thoughts.

Yes I would bet that those making 40 offers before getting 1 house or either licensed or work with a realtor who specializes in investors.  Also, many bank-owned properties are open to all for bidding online.

I work for a top-producing husband/wife team who are also (buy & hold) investors.  We pretty much don't get excited about or encourage working with investors.  Like others have probably mentioned, it just is not worth our time.  We do have two that we work with, and I think we picked those up during a very slow period.  Both of these investors are cash buyers who make quick decisions, have bought several properties through us, and don't waste our time or theirs.  And remember, it basically takes the same amount of hours to close a 30k deal as it does a 400k deal - so you can guess who Realtor will prioritize.

Welcome!

I'm close in age and location.  Been a licensed agent for 12 years.  I work part time on a team.  I agree, getting your license is a huge benefit.  I'd rather look at numbers and comps myself than have another agent do it.  We may not be looking for the same things. 

Houston is a crazy stupid market right now.  Of course I don't have a crystal ball, but I think we may see things settle or even dip in the near future.  If you don't have hours and hours and connections to find that one steal (and I don't!), I may suggest sitting back and giving it a few months.  In the mean time, get your license and study the market and learn neighborhoods.  Then you'll know when you do see a good deal, and don't have to take someone else's word for it.

Ha!  We also stick to one color for our rentals.  I'm not a details person with stuff like that- too much to keep up with.  We also use SW Softer Tan.

I would make sure that both properties are at the proper assessment from the appraisal district.  Did you confirm that the actual tax rates of the 2 towns are drastically different? You don't want to buy the 400k house and find out that the assessment was way outdated.  

Hi Scott,

I'm new hear but have a few years on you so maybe a little wisdom.  You asked a good question.  Based on the circumstances you've described, I'd try to live like paupers and save up some more money.  Enough for a down payment on a multi-family.  Live in one side, rent the other.  I have zero experience in wholesaling but it seems you would have nothing to lose except your time, and could make some quick cash.  And it would be giving you a good education on the market.  Welcome.  And of course you can do it!

Hi All,

I've just discovered BP last week and look forward to gaining some good info and conferring with like minds.  I'm 36, been a licensed agent 12 years, and started owning rental property 11 years ago.  Between 2003 & 2006, my husband and I purchased a total of 5 houses and a duplex, built two spec homes, and flipped 1 house.  We then had a set of twins and a bonus baby between 2007-9.  I chose to stay home until our kids started school.  Now our youngest is in Kindergarten.  I work very part-time as a showing agent for a top husband/wife RE team in the area (they are friends and investors as well), and I manage the 4 properties that we still own.  I am anxious to get my feet wet again!  We are about 45 minutes NW of Houston.  Happy to be here!  -Jennifer