All Forum Posts by: Joshua Brooks Sr

@Austin Johnson - one of the reasons that I like this area is because my wife went to the University of Missouri. Another reason that I like Columbia is that it has a relatively large population, which will likely provide a solid pool of renters. Per David Greene's Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat, this area gives me the opportunity to connect with Rock Star real estate agents, contractors, and other real estate professionals. With over 120,000 people, I imagine there is impressive talent in Columbia. It's not necessarily what you know, but who you can know that can make a big impact on your success.

I'm excited about the opportunity to start my real estate investment portfolio in Columbia, but flexible and open to other opportunities. 

@Ash Fields - thanks for your response. My mobile number is (832) 398-0923. Feel free to give me a ring. I'm specifically looking in the $60,000-100,000 price range. I currently have a property under consideration. Perhaps you would be open to helping me evaluate it more accurately. 

Please let me know how I can be of assistance to you. I have a decent network of friends, family, and professionals in the Kansas City, Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, Phoenix, and Washington D.C. areas. Talk to you soon!

Hello, Bigger Pockets. I hope you all are doing well. My name is Joshua Brooks. I decided that now is the time to buy my first real estate investment property. My goal is to purchase one property in Columbia, Missouri before September 31st. I plan on utilizing the Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat (BRRR) strategy because it appears to be the most effective way to build a cash-flowing real estate portfolio.

Who do I want to work with? The Core Four: Real Estate Agent, Lender, Contractor, and Property Manager. I love interacting with people and treating them fairly, honestly, and with respect. 

How am I going to pay for my next opportunity? I plan on using a hard money lender. I'm open to interacting with hard money lenders in order to make progress on this goal. Good deals only. 

I'm married to a wonderful woman and have three young boys. I work full-time in financial services and part-time in the Army Reserve. I live in Dallas-Fort Worth and enjoy drinking coffee, reading books, and practicing yoga. Let's talk soon!

@Michael S. 

Thanks so much for your response and insight. I didn't think about it like that. Our current property doesn't appear to be very "rentable" based on the numbers and high property taxes. One of the most important things I'm learning as a newbie real estate investor is how the numbers have to be present for a good investment. No numbers, no investment. 

Your response was an example of what Brandon Turner talks about concerning the strength of the Bigger Pockets network. I had a question and you answered it. I learned something by reaching out to the larger BP network.

We are now working with Passive Wealth Builders to evaluate some properties in Alabama. This looks like a much better investment opportunity, especially with the high property taxes in DFW. Out of state real estate looks like our best bet. 

Best of luck with your investment endeavors! Thanks again. Peace.

Hey Bigger Pockets Community! I agree with the lack of rental investing opportunities. My wife and I live in Lewisville and would like to rent out our property. We had Bob from PMI Premier in Southlake over and his property management company appears solid and professional. We want to be as passive as possible so we're willing to pay the property management company their cut.

We would like to rent out our house and buy a bigger house in Argyle. God has blessed our family with another son, so we're looking to purchase a bigger house a little farther west. Plus, it's closer to my full-time job in financial services.

However, the numbers and options don't look spectacular. I work part-time in the military as a chaplain. We used the VA Home loan to purchase the property at 2012 Sorrento LN, Lewisville, 75077. We've lived here for two years and taken good care of the place.

We have been advised by our real estate agent and a number of mortgage brokers to wait to refinance when the numbers look good. What are your thoughts? The goal is to refinance, rent, and purchase a new house. 

However, step 1(refinance) isn't looking so great because we won't really be able to lower our rates enough from 3.875% in order to make a small profit renting. Trying to get the monthly payment lower... Any input would be fantastic... Thanks.

Just read the first two chapters. The content from Bigger Pockets continues to be solid. My wife and I are looking at refinancing our current home to rent it out in DFW and buy a bigger house in Argyle for our expanding family. We are strategically planning and preparing to TAKE ACTION!