All Forum Posts by: John Tilstra

@Tuba Warden, sounds like you did your research!  Way to take action and get in the game.  There are definitely great deals to be had in Chattanooga, but I think "good" deals are increasingly the norm.  As you'll notice from a lot of the key word alerts for Chattanooga, it's definitely on folks radar and is beginning to attract long-distance investors (myself included).  Not to mention that several markets in TN - and lots of other places - are increasingly seller markets.  Just keep getting base hits... you don't have to hit home runs every time to be a successful RE investor.  Once again, glad you're officially in the game now.  Please be in touch and stay active on the Chattanooga postings!

Hey @Account Closed, we own a duplex in Chattanooga, a triplex in Red Bank, and a duplex out in Harrison.  Let me know if you have any specific questions.

@Raul Dominguez - Glad to see you're jumping into the forums, and thank you for your service! I hope you get the type of leads and make the contacts you need to start growing your REI portfolio in San Antonio. Good luck!

@Tuba Warden congrats on your first deal!  They go quicker and easier from here.  Do you want to share what you're buying and how you found it?

Michael Lopez , I think the article you are referring to is an opus of a blog Brandon wrote. You can find it at: Biggerpockets.com/agent If you decide to move north toward TN, let me know, we can always use a good REI-focused agent to take work off our plate!

@Megan Shelton, glad you're considering jumping into the Chattanooga investment scene!  Definitely set some key word alerts (if you haven't already) for the area.  Chattanooga, Red Bank, Cleveland TN, Northshore, Highland Park, 37404, 37415, Hixson, and 37409 are all potentially useful, depending on what you're looking for.

My wife and I are also out state (actually out of country) investors, and we faced the EXACT same challenge.  We had money to spend, and we couldn't get realtors to call us back.

@Thomas DeMoss (who posted above) definitely works with out of state buyers (he works with us), and is very responsive and great with the technology necessary to work with investors from a distance.  I don't want to put him on the hook for your upcoming trip, but if he has time, it would be worth reaching out to him.  He's an investor himself, so he knows the deal.

Send me a colleague request if you want.  I'd be happy to talk about some of our challenges, and successes, investing in Chattanooga from a distance.

Beyond a realtor, let me know if you'd like to talk to a property manager or local accountant.  We have both and are happy with each.

Good luck!

@Michael Taylor, welcome to BP!  It's a fun time to be investing in the Scenic City!  We're a motley crew of investors - or maybe that's just me ;) - and we're glad to have you join us.  Set up your key word alerts, send colleague requests, and leverage the forums.  Hopefully we can meet later this summer when I'm back in town.

Welcome to BP @Branda Meegan!  Glad you're joining the community of Chattanooga investors.  It's nice to have another wholesaler in the mix.  Definitely set up the key word alerts, and maybe check some of the recent forum posts about Chattanooga, I know there have been a couple investors looking for a local wholesaler.

Charles,

In Chattanooga, First Property Management is really the best show in town for real estate investors.  Check out their website (http://firstpmusa.com/).  It's not too much to look at, but if you use the website to contact Brian, one of the owners, he's very responsive.  The guys who started First Property Management are real estate investors themselves, and they built the company after not finding a good property management company for investors.  So, they've designed the company to do what they always looked for in a real estate management company.  We use them with our properties and have been pleased thus far.  Good luck!

Sorry man, no recommendations, but I feel your pain!  Good luck!