All Forum Posts by: Justin Christian Macabenta

@Houston Garcia Thanks again! I appreciate the insight!

@Arlen Chou The best definition I would prefer for cash flow would be the first option you mentioned but we both know that is hard to come by around here. Knowing that I do not see myself leaving the Bay anytime soon, the perspective of paying a reduced amount for a space is way better than paying it full. Personally, not really open to living in East Oakland but would seek surrounding areas.

@Frank Wong Thank you for your insight! I agree that a buy and hold rental in the East Bay would be best case scenario in terms of controlling risk  and long term gain. Its just a matter of finding the best deal. What cities in the East Bay would you suggest? I've always kept an eye out for cities close to a Bart station.

@Arlen Chou Thank you for your suggestion! My initial goal is to do a house hack in the East Bay to get the land lording experience but my preferred choice of a duplex is hard to come by at a price that works. Is possible to even find a small multifamily property in the East Bay that even cashflows?

@Houston Garcia Thank for your response! I've seen a bunch of completed luxury SFH flips in SF and would love to work on one in the future. That would be a goal of mine to put on my portfolio but am hopeful to find a deal somewhere in the East Bay first. What cities in the East Bay are your clients working in?

Hi BP!

My name is Justin and I am new to the forums. Been eager to post and also get started with investing but wanted anyone's thoughts/suggestions/Pros&Cons on which route to go being brand new:

Is it better to buy & flip in the SF Bay Area or invest in rental properties out of state?

After reading a few of the REI books, listening back on the podcasts, and attending a few REI meet ups, one of the main things that always stood out to me was when people would mention to "pick one niche and master it".

Personally, I like hands-on work and am very interested in construction which is why feel I would rather enjoy the process of a buy & flip but with the costs of properties in the Bay Area, I feel like it is unattainable. If a deal is good, I'm open to partnering or seeking private lending but am also considering hard money. On the other hand, there is the aspect obtaining passive income through investing in rental properties but after reading around the forums about how that can be difficult in the Bay Area, it would work better to invest out of state.

Sorry if this seems all over the place but I am pretty torn on which route to go. I know there are risks either way and different financial benefits but am curious to know all your thoughts and if you've experienced this fork in the road.

Thanks again!

Great post @Jeff Brower! I like the level of detail and cost breakdown you gave. I'm interested in house hacking a duplex as well to get started in REI.