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All Forum Posts by: Joshua Espejo

Joshua Espejo has started 5 posts and replied 29 times.

Post: Common Inspections For Alabama Property?

Joshua EspejoPosted
  • Investor
  • Las Vegas, NV
  • Posts 29
  • Votes 10

Hey BP!

I have a small portfolio out in Kansas city, and the things I've always inspected are the: HVAC, Roof, Foundation, Sewer via sewer scope, and Electricals. (Shout out to WNN Properties and Jin Lim!)

I just got my first property in Alabama from a turnkey company and am scheduling inspections. I asked my agent if I could get a sewer scope, and the guy (very politely, and repeatedly) tells me that typically can be seen in the crawl space. 

I am here a bit confused... although, a different market and different climate can call for additional inspections and remove certain inspections that were needed in KC.

What are some typical inspections needed in AL, Birmingham specifically?

Thanks in advance! 

Post: Where To Go To Run Due Diligence On A Property?

Joshua EspejoPosted
  • Investor
  • Las Vegas, NV
  • Posts 29
  • Votes 10
Originally posted by @Evan Holly:

Being new to this, I want to check the city out first.  Headed there in a couple weeks.  Stoked!

Hell yeah man! I am stoked for you!

Do you have any properties in mind already? Or what about certain zip codes/areas? 

Single fam? Multi-fam? Do tell.

Post: Where To Go To Run Due Diligence On A Property?

Joshua EspejoPosted
  • Investor
  • Las Vegas, NV
  • Posts 29
  • Votes 10
Originally posted by @Lee Ripma:

@Joshua Espejo 

Sounds like you did a lot of due diligence and it works for you. Everyone has different criteria for what they are looking for. I look at the DISCERN criteria for each location. I have included what I am personally looking for to be helpful. Remember, everyone has different criteria. No right or wrong, lots of ways to make money in RE! 

D - Demographics: variety will work although there a few I avoid with market-rate tenant strategy but will include with Section 8 tenant strategy 

I - Income: for market-rate tenant strategy I'm looking at median household income at the location to be 28k/year or greater regardless of the unit size. Think about target rents on your property in relation to this income. 3x is the usual rule. So if you want 750/mo then 3x would be 27k/year. If you want 1200 then you're proably want to go higher 1200x12x3=43.2k. 

S - Schools: depends on the unit size. For smaller units I am not looking at the schools, for larger units I am looking at schools. Middle of the road or higher, so 4+ score in general when I'm doing larger units. If tenants won't have kids (smaller units) it does not matter what the school ratings are, they won't care. 

C - Crime: I will take a variety of crime scores. If I'm at 3.5x I do a few extra things like cage AC units. Most of my units are usually 2-3.5x the national crime scores. 

E - Expansion: Stable or growing population. No declining populations ever, period. Increasing median income as well. 

R - Rent: Make sure whatever this median value is jives with your underwriting on the deals. I usually target above 750/mo regardless of unit size. 

N - Neighborhood: Something to take a look at, love it when a starbucks is the nearest store but a variety of nearby stores will work. Always take a look at nearby businesses to a property. These business are local so you'll need to do a little manual work here. 

What is stopping you from pulling the trigger? Do you not know what you're looking for? As the saying goes, if you don't know what you want, then anything will work! 

Lee! So great of you to stop by. Thanks once again for your knowledge bombs! I'll add these to my criteria and hold myself accountable to take these into account for the next property.

Nothing is stopping me from pulling the trigger -- I am in contract and pulled on another investor to get the funds going for this one.

As part of due diligence, I always look at BP to see what's being said about a particular zip code. Wasn't seeing too many great things about the surrounding zip codes... but it *appears* zip code is an oasis ... the numbers and statistics on Vestmap (thanks!) support it. Overall feeling pretty good about moving forward. 

After this property, I am moving into 100+ units for commercial Multifamily, with the help of a new mentor who has experience in the space.  For the bigger Multifamily, I will be raising funds and putting together investor packets that describe the deals I will be putting together. I'd love for you to take a look when I have one prepared :) I'll be in touch. Thanks again, Lee! 

Post: Where To Go To Run Due Diligence On A Property?

Joshua EspejoPosted
  • Investor
  • Las Vegas, NV
  • Posts 29
  • Votes 10
Originally posted by @Evan Holly:

@Joshua Espejo I’ve yet to invest, but Birmingham is where I’m planning to start. That specific zip is solid from property managers I’ve talked to in the area, it being right by the college. Give Rudy a call at https://www.rudulphrents.com . They manage properties in that zip.

Thanks for the rundown, Evan! I'll call a few PM's tomorrow including Rudy, just so I can get a decent idea from a few PM's in the area.

What's holding you back from pulling the trigger brother? 

Post: Where To Go To Run Due Diligence On A Property?

Joshua EspejoPosted
  • Investor
  • Las Vegas, NV
  • Posts 29
  • Votes 10
Originally posted by @Jordan Smith:

@Joshua Espejo I live and attend school very near this zip code. Like much of the Birmingham area, there’s decent variation within the zip code. Feel free to contact me if I can help in any way.

Awesome bro, thanks for the offer. Would you happen to know this specific area or around it? It seems like its surrounded by D and F areas, but seems to be a safe spot in the middle? I am hoping at least!

Post: Where To Go To Run Due Diligence On A Property?

Joshua EspejoPosted
  • Investor
  • Las Vegas, NV
  • Posts 29
  • Votes 10

Hello BiggerPockets!

I just got under contract for a 6-plex with a reputable turn-key company who is very active on BiggerPockets.

I ran some numbers and used propstream and vestmap to get an idea of the demographic and properties in the area. Everything seemed to check out pretty good numbers wise and in terms of tenant pool.

I've been researching more on the particular zip code of the property in terms of BiggerPocket's opinions on it, and it doesn't seem promising. I want to know where else I can look to vet moving forward with this purchase. Right now, I am thinking of calling property managers to get their opinion of the area... But where else do you go to look online? 

I also did a Google Maps Street View -- there are some run down houses next to it, but also a nice-looking freshly-renovated apartment complex on the same block.

I know this turn-key company is very reputable, so I trust their judgement... I am just concerned with my findings from BP on this zip code.

The zip code is 35205, Birmingham AL if anyone has experience with the area.

Thanks!

Post: What Class is this neighborhood? 66102, Wyandotte County

Joshua EspejoPosted
  • Investor
  • Las Vegas, NV
  • Posts 29
  • Votes 10

Neel,

I think I know which MFH you're looking into! Definitely a "C" class neighborhood, but can be decent if you have a good PM. I am considering MFH in 66102 area as well, but keeping my options open. Ended up hopping into my first triplex recently in KCK in the 66101 area -- Strawberry Hill. Keep us posted if you move forward!

Hello BiggerPockets!

I currently am looking for PML's from my circle of friends. I have opened up investing opportunities to my close friends who I trust and trust me, and also have capital to use. The issue is, one of my friends is from Canada, and I am in the US. 

Does anybody know how transferring of funds can work? I know the IRS will look into this because it will be large sums of money sent internationally... but does anyone know how I can get this to work? Thanks in advance.

Post: How’s the St.Jospeh, MO market??

Joshua EspejoPosted
  • Investor
  • Las Vegas, NV
  • Posts 29
  • Votes 10
Originally posted by @Al Ahquin:

@Lee Ripma

Lee I just listened to your interview on the BiggerPockets podcast. I feel so thankful and grateful for the knowledge and inspiration I’ve gained from the interview. I appreciate it, more than you know! I’m gonna check out those sub markets you suggested. Thank you again!

Al Ahquin, haven't heard too much from St. Joe in my research. I am starting to invest in the 66101 area (Kansas side of KC), and see deals all around on the MLS! It's just right now, since the housing market is so hot, a lot of sellers are pretty optimistic about their prices.

Also, I guess I gotta give Lee's podcast a listen! 

Good luck to you man! Feel free to contact if you have any questions

Originally posted by @Milton Chamberlain:

Hello all! 👋🏾 My husband and I are new to real estate investing. We just bought our first 3 SFH (buy and hold) in Columbia, MO. We bought these from my dad, who we didn't realize was essentially a slum lord 😳 (sadly, he didn't realize this either 🤦🏾‍♀️). We didn't have inspections or anything done since we were buying from family. Needless to say, we have learned our lesson there. Anyway, we have one house that will be vacant within the next few months and it will most likely be a gut rehab (3 bed, 1 bath, 912 sq ft). We are having an inspection done and walking through to get bids for the rehab within the next few weeks. The whole layout is pretty funky as it was built in 1930. I think redesigning the layout would really improve the house, but I know nothing about designing or floor plans or anything (I am a dentist by day 🦷 ) Is there a good floor planning software that is recommended or would you hire a professional to help figure out how reconfigure the space? 


Also, ideas for financing the rehab? We've depleted much of our funds buying these 3 houses and we're in the process of rehabbing one of them currently. I was considering opening a HELOC, and had thought about a cashout refi, but didn't know if that made sense since we haven't yet closed on the house we would do this on (the one currently being rehabbed). Any and all suggestions are welcome! Thanks so much 🙏🏾

Hello fellow dentist!

If you are set on changing layout for a rental, just make sure that you are in an area with rent can support a major renovation like this. From what I know, major floor plan changes would make sense for a flip. Rentals are fine by updating the tiles, floors, and other materials. Essentially a face-lift. Just be sure you're getting the most bang for your buck if you decide to keep it for a rental.

In terms of financing, private and hard money loans are options as well. Just be aware of the costs of borrowing this money and how it will affect your bottom line. Good luck!