All Forum Posts by: John O'Leary

I'm not a lawyer or CPA, but using an LLC for real estate investments can help protect your personal assets, offer tax benefits, and make getting private financing easier. If someone sues over something related to the rental property, an LLC keeps your personal money and belongings safe. Many private and hard money lenders require you to buy properties under an LLC instead of your own name. It won't automatically lower your taxes, but it can help with business expense write-offs and flexible tax options. If you plan to own multiple rentals or get private financing, an LLC is a smart move, but it's best to check with a lawyer or CPA to see if it's right for you.

@Chris Seveney is pretty spot on. Rates are between (10.25-12.25%), but anything over 3 points is high unless you are using a broker. 8-9% would be true private money, or they are operating in the residential space. Some lenders have similar rates (10-12%) for their long term DSCR Debt for commercial

Hey Christopher,

Most lenders have a minimum loan amount between $75K and $100K, typically covering 85-90% of the purchase priceand 100% of rehab costs. If any lenders offer lower amounts, they likely still have a minimum origination fee or higher interest rate and are usually individual private lenders rather than institutional private money sources. Having said that, there are a ton go great lenders under the find a lender tab in the resource hub. 

Oak and Willow Realty out of Charlotte. DM me and I can put you in contact with the owner. 

Analysis paralysis stops so many investors before they even begin, but the key is to take action. You’ll never have all the answers or feel completely comfortable experienced investors still face uncertainty. What matters is building the right team, surrounding yourself with the right support system, and starting small so you can learn as you go. Every deal teaches you something, and the first step is always the hardest. Trust your preparation, lean on your team, and take that next step forward

@Michael Liggett  maybe you can help Wayne.

Welcome to the community, Michael! It's fantastic to have someone with such a comprehensive experience as both the agent and investor. Looking forward to learning from your insights and possibly collaborating in the future!

Hello Haneef, 

First off, congratulations on finishing school! That’s an enormous achievement, and I wish you all the best as you start your real estate journey. Building a team from the beginning is key. As a new investor, don’t try to be an expert at everything right out of the gate. Instead, focus on assembling a few key people who can fill the gaps—such as a trusted agent, contractor, and local property management expert etc. By surrounding yourself with the right team, you’ll be able to tackle challenges much more effectively. Also, it’s important to have a specific strategy when starting. You don’t need to tackle every avenue of real estate right away—be clear about your goals, whether it’s single-family flips, rentals, or another niche in your local market. Starting with a focused strategy will give you direction and prevent overwhelm. And most importantly, take action. Many people have the desire to start but fall short because they never make that first move. Don’t get trapped in the learning phase for too long—take initiative, even if it’s just one small step at a time. The real growth happens once you take action. Good luck, and I’m sure you’ll find success with the right mindset and approach! Keep us posted on your progress

Try Homeadvisor. It might be difficult to get someone to offer up their GC if they do a good job since reliable contractors are tough to find and retain. 

Hi Tim,

I'm in Orlando and have a client with a substantial STR portfolio in CF, including about 15 properties in Kissimmee. They also manage additional STRs for local operators. Please feel free to reach out if you'd like to discuss further.