All Forum Posts by: John M.

@Kyle Altenau while I hadn’t planned on trying to keep all my eggs in one basket so to speak, you bring up a great point.  I hadn't looked ahead far enough and considered to diversify my portfolio in that manner. I was thinking more along the lines of the types of properties and methods of investing. Your point made me suddenly look at locations like stocks vs bonds. While some areas may have more upside, that could come with volatility. Other areas while not as flashy would be more stable and predictable and finding the balance being key.

@Stephen Kappre all of the pros you mentioned are what I had been “speculating” and I say that being so green and uncertain . Today while listen to the BP RE Rookies podcast the guests had mentioned the GC revitalization plans being something that had weighed in their decision to invest there. In a similar manner I have been reading and following Camden’s progress and plan but more of a “maybe one day I’ll be savvy enough to invest there” mindset. Applying that idea to an area I’m more comfortable with may give some insight as to the neighborhoods I might want to eventually consider.

Thank you all Again for the great insight so far!

@Joe P. Are there any neighborhoods you would recommend good or bad? I have also noticed there may be some areas that require flood insurance. It is my understanding that it can be a substantial cost. Any experience with the costs associated with flood insurance?

@Joe P. Many of the same reasons you outlined are why I have been intrigued by GC in particular. I'm looking for my next BRRRR deal and athe purchase price to rent/ARV estimates look like they could possibly pan out well. My bigger concern is understanding the neighborhoods and finding the pockets that are desirable while avoiding those that are not. I have worked with some people that had lived or grew up there and they seem to love it. That said I have yet to speak with someone who was activity looking to move to GC.

From what I can tell areas similar to GC, Burlington, and to some extent Woodbury (high taxes) seem to have higher potential for cash flow but more risk in regards to finding quality tenants. Because of this I suspected tighter requirements for landlords due to an increased number of rental units.

I am currently exploring the idea of perusing properties in what I guess would be considered smaller South Jersey cities. Examples would be Gloucester City and Burlington.

What are the pros and cons of these areas? What are some of the complications landlords face? What metrics are you using to help identify the best neighborhoods?

For those who have a few rentals under their belt, being sure to find the right  next deal is critical. Securing financing is likely a newer investors next biggest hurdle. How are most of you dealing with the timing of these two steps when conventional lending is more difficult to find? What does your time frame look like? 

Thank you for the tips and well wishes.

@Anthony Sinigaglio Thank you for the heads up. Ill be sure to reach out.

I was hoping to find some local meet ups through BP.

I'm located in South Jersey. Gloucester, Camden and Burlington Counties would be ideal locations for me. I'm not far at all from Philadelphia but having never been to a meet up I imagine they are very focused on that particular market vs the broader area.

Thank you for your support. While the pain of losing a parent is never easy, he taught me and in many ways continues to teach valuable lessons.  For instance, time is our most valuable commodity. I've learned for me there is no amount of money anyone can pay me that is worth the exchange of my time. My goal in investing in real estate is to end most of those future transactions.