All Forum Posts by: Josh Bowser

Hey Daniel - some local providers offer flat rate electricity. However, I have not seen the same for water and gas. We're running about $250-260 / month annualized utilities (gas, water, electric) at our house hack in Kennesaw ( 2000s build 3bd / 3.5 1700 sq foot town home ). I don't own property in Dekalb county personally, but know a bunch of folks that do. Feel free to reach out - contact info in Bio!

Hey Elie,

Getting a good education is one good route to secure a future high income. I don't really think you have a bad option in front of you!

If you really really want to get your license, find a great, busy agent in the area that you live in and do everything you can to provide value to them while working your W2. This will really help to see if you like the RE sales game to begin with. Save up pile of cash and figure it out what you want to do from there!

Could you try to scratch your RE itch by going to work for a company in RE as an accountant? Just a thought!

Hey Orlando - welcome to BP!

The forums are a great place to do just that!

Hey Ro - this really depends on your personal goals!

Lets make a few assumptions:

1. you're wanting to grow aggressively

2. you probably have a great rate or a nearly paid for home

3. you have more than enough in liquid reserves to cover all of your expenses (and then some) in case something goes wrong.

If you're wanting to grow pretty aggressively a HELOC might be a good option if you use it in a revolving matter. The amount of equity you have in your home is right around the PP of rental properties in the Atlanta Metro (that equity can go even farther if you look at markets further OTP). You're in a good position where you can make 'cash' offers at a price you can refinance into long term fixed rate debt after closing. After refinancing, you can repeat the process.

I would use caution when considering a HELOC as a down payment as this is debt, and floating rate debt at that.

With that being said, don't feel like you 'have' to do anything. You are in a great position and there is no need to rush!

Happy to help you find some properties in GA - feel free to reach out!

Adding to Ben's comment -> Looking at the most common REIT ETFs top 10 holdings is a good way to find some widely held names. Examples of these larger REIT ETFs: $VNQ $SCHH $XLRE

You will be able to find their prospectus' on the issuer's website!

Hey Matt,

Two days is a short period of time so I wouldn't stress too much. Could you reach out to friends in the area and see if anyone is looking for a space? Does your listing look better than everyone else's?

Hey Maylin! 

The lowest barrier to entry with the highest margin of safety is the house hack!! If you're currently renting, it can end up saving you a lot of money over the course of a year or two as long as the numbers make sense.

I would highly encourage you to seek out a mentor that is doing what you want to do as well. There is a crazy amount of confidence gained when you have the knowledge and encouragement of a success story behind you!

Happy to help in any way I can

Hey David - Welcome To BP! 

The Gainesville area is awesome - I'm a sucker for property in a lake town. 

Enjoy the learning process!

Hey Travis! 

Just some food for thought on the househack -> my fiance and I are house hacking a townhome. In our setup - the room we rent is right off the garage with an ensuite on a separate level from us. If you don't mind a shared kitchen, you can find some great floor plans that will work without going the 'value add route'.

Not sure what is common in your market, but 3 story townhomes and split level homes do provide privacy as well!