All Forum Posts by: James Sotipalalit

I took the L&F class around 2007 and enjoyed it. I was fortunate to have the head of their education dept. teaching the class so he only gave us the info we absolutely needed and would use without all the extra fluff. Harold something, great guy but not sure if he's still around. I took mine at the Gaithersburg office off Clopper Rd.

My feeling is that if you're looking to buy residential properties 1-4 units (and buy more than just one property in the next year or two). For me (aside from the cost savings/earnings of closing a deal) it's been a blessing to have access to the MLS, being able to see as many properties as I want, on my schedule, and write as many offers - no matter how low and ridiculous an agent might feel they are - is very worth it to me. Also, my brokerage that I hang my license with has been an asset as well.

There are costs to holding your license, but those were off-set with the first deal I did. 

Hope that helps.

I don't have my first investment property yet - bid on two and realized I needed to learn more first to get successful offers and make my first deal.  Been at this for 6 months.

 You can buy rent-able houses for $40K and fixer uppers for $10K in Baltimore.  If you are just starting, that is really fast to do a deal. It takes 30 days or so just to get to closing. Don't be a motivated buyer. Waiting for the right deal is a good thing. 

 Virtually all my investing has been in Baltimore City. 

Hello @James Sotipalalit welcome to the site! It's great to have you!

Tons of great advice already listed here.  I am in your same area and my experience is the more I started trying to do a flip and learning about the market; the more I wanted to be a realtor.  I used to have a license years ago and used that knowledge to buy our first home.  I want to regain some of that knowledge and I think education is key in any business.  I think someone here said it well that it does depend on your business model.  But, learning from others the process and business of real estate needs to start with education.  I for one want folks to think of me as well educated before I advertise myself as being a realtor or an investor locally.  BP is an awesome resource and I will not forget the knowledge I have gained from this site alone.  Best of Luck and glad to see another local investor.