All Forum Posts by: Jonathan Makovsky

@Adnan H.congrats on already being in the game! 

Tough to answer this kind-of question, because it is so personal. Some people love the SFR game because they find it lower maintenance, others feel the opposite and rather everything under one roof. You can probably read literature on BP that will entertain you for days (if not longer) on this topic. The same can be said buying in B-class vs C-class properties, there are pros and cons to both.

Part of it will come down to the area you invest in, but the biggest factor is your personal one - what do you like best? 

The only other comments I have relate to your pros and cons:

1. How difficult is it to find B-properties with the criteria you're looking for? If you'll be chasing unicorns and it's not really possible, then maybe this is not even an option. If it's something possible, then what is challenging about it? Will it take too long to find that your money is going to be sitting on the sidelines for too long, or will it take up too much of your time? 

2. I'm not sure I really understand this point. When you say property won't appraise; are you referring to appraising to get all of your capital out, part of it, or it just won't appraise to what you're paying for it.

3. Also, not sure that I understand this point either. When you refer to refinancing and cash getting stuck, what do you mean by that? Because if you're looking at 5 or more units then you will need a commercial loan and you will almost for sure need to refinance down the line (likely in 5 - 10 years). 

If you're looking to find a deal that you can refinance all your cash out within a short time period (1 year or less) and have your NOI cover your debt service then I think they are all good options, and it just again comes down to a personal decision. (If you want my personal preference assuming they are all good deals, it would be 1) apartment building, 2) B-class properties and 3) C-class SFR's.)

Best of luck!

@Cheyenne DavisGoogle Voice is a great economical way to set-up an extra voicemail account. I imagine there are many YouTube videos that can walk you through step-by-step.

As far as bandit signs, you might want to check your local laws.

Best of luck.

Congrats @Amanda Hanand Matthew! Very excited to read this book!

We're back! For those that haven't been yet to this Fairfield real estate investor meet-up - it's a fun time and a great place to network.  There is no service or product pitching, just a place to grab drinks and meet Connecticut like-minded real estate investors and RE service professionals.


Date: Wednesday, February 24th, 2016 (it's last Wednesday of every month - so please mark your calendars)

Place: Anna Liffey's (a cool Irish pub) located at 1494 Old Post Rd, Fairfield CT 06824 NOTE: We are in the back room (http://annaliffeys.com)

Time: 7PM mingle. At 7:45pm we go around room to introduce everyone so you can let everyone know what you do and who you would like to meet at the event (brokers, lenders, wholesalers, investors, attorneys, insurance agents, and more.)

No Cost: It's FREE (yes, really)! Okay it's almost free - please buy a drink(s) from the bar. Remember the more you have, the more you'll enjoy it. Just kidding. If you're driving or don't want to drink there are food options and non-alcoholic drinks.

[Important Side Note]: There is a Happy Hour from 4pm - 7pm before the event starts. I think it's half-off most drinks ($3 craft beers).

Please post below if you can make it!  (We have many investors come from Fairfield County, New Haven County, Hartford County, NYC, and other parts of Connecticut.)

Welcome @Joshua Gonzalez! 

Awesome stuff @Darren Sager! Sorry, I won't be able to make this one - I'm sure it's going to be a classic. Although not too many $30K pigs for @Ben Leybovich to argue over near NYC.  :)

One of the biggest mistakes I find newbies make is not doing enough vetting in all aspects of the real estate process. Everyone wants to be a REI, but not everyone wants to take the time to see 50-100 houses to learn what a good real estate deal looks like. Everyone knows they need a good contractor, real estate agent and/or partner, but how many do they speak with while vetting them out? So many I see just want to go with the first one they meet because they found them on Angie's List, Zillow or they come to their Thanksgiving meal, and then the newbie get frustrated when they are not seeing the results they want.

Unfortunately (or fortunately) most successful RE investors are good at it because they have the patience to work at it until they find the right deals and people. (I say fortunately because it's a good weeding out process.)

My advice is to treat the business like a marathon and not a sprint, and never hesitate to pick up the phone and make those uncomfortable phone calls to motivated sellers, potential investors, lenders, contractors, realtors, etc. The results will come - possibly quickly - but if you stick with it it will definitely come!

Best of luck Luke!

 Hi Phil, these are all great book recs: https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/04/14/best-real-estate-books/

Welcome @Maua A.! Great to have you!

Originally posted by @Brad Holt:

Hello, My name is Brad.

Welcome Brad! Looks like you have the handy side of the business down with your experience. I'm sure BP can offer  you many of the other aspects you might be looking for (financial, partners, networking, etc.).

Happy Investing!