All Forum Posts by: Joe Sillaman

Want to send all you kids to college. Have them join the military and get the GI Bill along with tuition assistance. Even if they're not military types it's only 4 years which they'll learn a ton. They'll all get access to the best loan available, 0% down VA home loan. If they motivated see if they can get ROTC scholarships so they can go to school and then serve a 4 year officer commitment right after. It's what I did and at 26 yrs old was able to purchase a $475K home (now a vacation rental) which ignited the investor mind set in me.

I'm a veteran Realtor with a MRP. 99% of my clients are military. Does it help you get leads just by having it, no. It does help with credibility but most buyers don't even realize what it represents until you literally spell it out. If you decide to market yourself as a agent focused on vets person business. Market yourself as a VA expert/military realtor/link up with a VA loan savvy lender. I always spell out my designations so buyers can see what it are. I think if you're not located in a military concentrated area near a base,post,fort, etc it might not be worth it.

20 years old, armed with a RE License and BP. You're dangerous man. Go out there and kill it! Don't forget to pick up rentals for yourself along the way!

I forgot to add, set up booths at any events held regardless if it has to do with real estate or not. People will visit your booth and discover why they should invest in a home rather than keep paying rent. You're the key to saving them money! 

My advice...If you decide to pay for any leads I think zillow is the best because its where buyers are looking. If you do go with zillow ensure you pay for at least 10,000+ "impressions"(your name advertised along side a listing). I don think any other funds should be dedicated to paying for leads elsewhere. You will need reviews on your profile page to boost buyer confidence in your ability. Get amazing/professional profile pictures to put on all marketing pieces. Heavily market on social media, no so much in a sense that "it's a great time to buy a home here's why" but in the sense that "hey I closed another deal and helped this amazing family accomplish the American dream!". Tell everyone you've ever known see that you're a Realtor with a trusted/experienced broker. I recommend joining a team to learn the trade as it will bring you in more income sooner and will allow you to learn quicker. Not to mention being on a team will allow you to hand off any business when you travel for any reason. Try to focus on a specific niche client...high end/military VA/first time home buyer/farm & become a expert in specific part of town. Get luxury styled business cards. Team up with lenders that will bring you leads.

So many grammar mistakes on that last post...Was trying to type on a ipad quickly. Bottom line, use you loan before you get separation orders!!! GI Bill cannot be used as income when qualifying for a VA loan. It's sad because I see so many separating/retiring members looking to use their VA loan and they don't realize it's too late after you get PCS/Separation/Retirement orders. That is unless the member is jumping directly into another good job or has a high retirement income.

I'm prior USAF/Mil Realtor. If your already have your separation orders you might not be able to use your VA loan unless you have a good job lined up(letter of intent) to show a lender. You're GI Bill income is not taxable income you can use to qualify for a VA Loan. If you don't have your orders yet hurry up and use your loan before you then them, after a lender finds out your exiting active duty that could stop your chances of getting a loan any time soon.

Hi Nick,

I'm actively looking to get into a project in Montgomery soon. Lets talk! I'm a out of state investor as well.

Just want to get a pulse of who's actively flipping in Montgomery AL? I'm interested in getting into a project in the next month or 2.

Use your VA loan as soon as you can. Depending on your credit, debit, BAH, and if you get COLA determines how much you'll get pre-approved for. Usually Navy bases are in prime locations where real estate values are on the high side. Go for a SFH or duplex if you can for cash flow. Just make sure to run your analysis before buying so when you PCS you know when it comes time to rent it out you'll be able to cover your mortgage at least.