All Forum Posts by: Joe Funari

@Mike Bonadies I don't like exclusive buyers agent agreements. I began my investing career well before obtaining my license. I was frustrated with agents that was used to what I call a traditional real estate transaction. Helping the family find their next primary residence. But we investors acquire many houses a year and have to have flexibility with whom we work in order to "structure" the deal. I am willing to help any investor gain financial freedom. I won't have them sign the exclusive buyers rep agreement. But only ask that deals I bring them they will work with me to close the deal. It has worked well for me. Because I want to build business relationships on trust. So best advise is find an investor who also happens to be a Realtor. They're experienced enough to ask a few questions to determine if you are Analysis Paralysis investor or willing to take risks to get your first deal done. You can't gain financial freedom unless you jump in REI.

@Steve Rozenberg Renting is still very strong here in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. Most landlords don't sign longer than one year leases because rates are increasing 5% per annum. With more and more people moving here every week the trend should continue.

@Marcel B. I know a few investor friendly title companies and real estate attorneys. But have found title companies owned by attorneys will give free advise on simple legal questions. I also know attorney's that will gladly take your money too. Personally, I would rather use that money to invest in more real estate. Just send me a PM and I will share contacts. Words are free.

@Danny Milliken Based on my personal experience start with wholesaling and learning that craft first. Join local REI clubs, network, and take their wholesaling classes. They are much cheaper than the gurus classes. Plus you won't hear "be sure to check the laws in your state to be sure." The gurus classes are taught at a national level and too broad. spend the money to start your RE LLC. You can always get your license later on when you've done enough deals that marketing your own flip (and helping other investors acquire their first rental or flip) justifies getting your license.

@Michelle Fox Try finding a local REI club and join on their website. They usually have a discussion board where you can post/search for contractors in your area.

@Cecilia Hake I ran into the same problem when I first entered REI. I networked with other investors until I found a realtor that was also an investor. Understood my need for non-exclusivity in order to get creative to make deals happen. When I became a realtor I wanted to give my clients the same flexibility. It has worked well for me. Keep looking you'll find the right realtors for your team.

@Devyn Grillo I was an investor first for several years before I obtained my license. @Christopher Brainard gives some good reasoning for it. I would strongly recommend you start your company first. An LLC or S Corp depending on how the landlord laws suit one or the other. In Texas, for example the landlord laws treat both LLC and S Corps the same. I consulted a CPA that specialized in real estate investing. So do your due diligence. But the tax savings from setting up a company first for real estate investing will be money well spent. Down the road you can get your license.

@Dustin Frank One other strategy is to look at properties that have a lot of DOM. Due to your clients lack of technology this will help you with the delay in getting an offer in front of the sellers agent. But @Greg H. is right. You may have to explain to the client that you aren't a right fit. I have to do this on occasion. But communicating with the client your expectations are key.

@Toni Collins when you do set up your interviews make sure you go when other agents are in the office. Many of the big firms have weekly agent meetings and some CE training that is an hour or less. Usually hosted by a title company. But good time to network too.

@Carnell Webb send me a pm, or e-mail and we can connect next week and go thru the steps. And welcome to REI.