All Forum Posts by: Joe Aiola

@Talbert Floyd I would agree with @Sarah Brown and try to find a partner. You can invest in real estate with little money, yes, but that doesn't mean you should. With any type of investing, there is always some sort of risk involved. One way to mitigate that risk is to have some reserves. Since it sounds like cash is the problem though, finding a partner may be the best bet - have them bring the money and you bring the hustle. 

@Nick Church Hey man! I agree with @Cameron Tope. Having a license could be extremely valuable, but it depends on your goals. In your situation, where you're not looking to buy multiple homes a year, it's not necessary. 

It's not a decision you have to make right away - getting your license can be done very quickly. Getting your license should be viewed as an investment, so I wouldn't recommend getting it just to get it. You should only pursue the license if you feel you can make a solid return on your investment.

@Lee Burns analyzing deals is definitely intimidating at first, but that goes away with repetition. Keep doing what you're doing - analyzing deals and asking for help when needed. 

Congrats on getting started and best of luck!

@Jasraj Singh I think cash flow is more of a defensive strategy - appreciation is where you can build some real wealth.

Homes naturally appreciate over time but, with that said, the amount of appreciation is very market & location based. Look at the home values over the years in the market you're interested in to get an idea. Talk to investors and agents in the area that you're looking at - they will be able to help you.

@Hector Liriano Hey Hector! Welcome to BP. 

I'm assuming you're studying on either the computer or by reading a book - this can be tough as the material can be pretty boring at times.Try listening to a podcast! It's a different way to absorb the material that I found helped me. I think it was called PrepAgent - he has a podcast and a website that may be able to help you out!

Best of luck!

@Alonso Fernandez Maldonado That's great advice from @Joe Cassandra. J Scott's books will definitely help - as a wholesaler, you should want to know how a flipper is analyzing deals. Then from there you can just work in your fee to the analysis.

Best of luck!

@Johnathan Walton you're approach is smart, like the others have already confirmed. 

My advice is the same as Evan's - I would just take note of what you're buying. In a duplex that you're living in, the chances of you having to carry the whole house is high because it only takes one vacancy or one tenant who doesn't pay. In a triplex, the chances go down because there are two other units. And in a 4-plex, they're even less. 

@Nicholas Aiola maybe you could give @Mary Jay a hand?

@Kevin Coleman That's great advice and information from @Erica Redcross

I would just add that you shouldn't be looking for a lender, you should be looking for a solid relationship with that lender. If you can build a relationship with a HML, they're great. Tough to buy real estate with no access to money. The more the lender trusts you, the less you'll have to put into the deal as well.

Good luck!

@Matt Ramey I would recommend getting connected with a real estate agent to help you out! They can send you comps, as well as set you up with automated emails for any new properties that come on the market.