All Forum Posts by: Jermaine Lindsay

Good Day BP Fam,

I’m new to investing but I wanted to share my buying strategy for the 1st house that I’m currently hacking. Some of what I share will be from things I’ve considered intentionally, and the others were after discovery from living there. Hopefully this information is helping for those starting or even those that are more experienced.

When considering buying a house you plan to hack, first be honest with yourself on what you could afford, consider your quality of life and most importantly be flexible. For myself, I work in the Metro DC area so I knew that buying there was out of my range so I looked into a market close by that can both accommodate my lifestyle and add value. That’s why I decided on Baltimore City. When I say be honest with yourself, this part of what I mean. For myself, I love to drive so the commuting I knew wouldn’t be an issue for me. After narrowing down the city, I then had to consider what neighborhood should I invest in. I had to asked; what neighborhood would both accommodate my lifestyle and again add value. I have two small dogs so I knew that I would need to be near a park for them to play but I also enjoy the pedestrian lifestyle, as I like to socialize, so what neighborhoods offer local eateries and entertaining. I found the Patterson Park area. Now lasting, what house would both again accommodate my lifestyle and add value. I found this home, that is perfectly fitting for me, that has an unfinished basement, big enough dining room for entertaining and also a parking pad in the back. Now If you live in a major city, where parking is limited, you know having a parking pad itself can be of tremendous value. So I say all this to say that location, location, location is such an important factor when you are planning to house hack. Location (What city), Location (What neighborhood), Location (Which House). Once you’ve narrowed those down, ask yourself why this home. There is a reason I kept saying the word “both” into my post because when you are house hacking you have consider both you and the “other” factor. Maybe that factor is your future roommate or your future refinance. They is plenty more I want to share on my experience and I will do those in other posts but this is just part 1 of what I wanted to share.

Daniel,

Welcome and I wish you major success. I’ve been a licensed agent for about 10 years and currently doing part-time because of my full time responsibilities. I would agree with the advice that was shared with you about getting a mentor. Surrounding yourself around 2-3 good solid people is going to help you with your journey. If you need any pointers or just need to hear another perspective, you’re welcome to reach out to me.

 Thank you very much and I appreciate the support. I hope has been well in the start of your new year!

Hello all,

I’ve been away from the BP platform for a while but I’m back active and would like to keep myself motivated to achieve my goals and connect with other like minded individuals. I’m full time military at the moment and just bought a home in Baltimore City that I’m currently working to house hack.

 Thank you very much for your message and you are welcome. I’ve been in the Air Force for 18 years now 

Thank you for sharing this with me as I will think more strategic ways to ensure I have alternate plans. What I gather from this is to have a plan but to be flexible with it as well. 

Good Day All,

I’ve just relocated to Baltimore City, MD and I bought my first project home that I plan to house hack and turn my extra room into a mid-term rental. It has an unfinished basement in which I plan to finish so that I live down there with my dogs.  I’m active duty military and I’ve also have been a licensed real estate agent for 10 years. Currently I’m switching gears to maintain my license, for referral purposes, while focusing more on becoming a landlord/investor.