All Forum Posts by: Karla Barbacena

Hi Nico,

I think the best strategy to start in your situation is house hacking. As they said there are tons of info here on Bigger pockets. Start analyzing deals already to see what properties are there and also do your research about the prices of repairs, insurance, RE taxes etc. As they said, you won't get a perfect deal in your first deal but what's important is that it won't give you negative returns, and that you will learn many things. If the problem is the property is too expensive but the property is a great deal, you have to shift your mindset to "How can I afford it?"

If you want to invest out of state, I highly suggest reading "Long Distance Real Estate Investing" by David Greene. It's one of my favorite RE books as it gives so many insights how to find your core FOUR people in your team, how to build your credit score, how to add value to the property. 

All the best,

Karla

Thank you both for your insights!

I am also looking for deals now, hired an agent/property manager but they mostly offer condos which are not making sense. 

Hey, I'm just wondering if it's possible that real estate analysis (the way we do it on Biggerpockets) can also be applied in Philippines, or any other market?  I don't know if there are something wrong with my calculations or there are just no deals that is making sense at the moment. LOL!

How's your analysis currently?

Hello. I'm trying to find for a local real estate meet up in Malta, but I couldn't find one. Reply here if you are a real estate investor in Malta, or investing out of the country but currently living in Malta. Maybe we form a meetup group soon and help each other build success. Cheers!

 Hi Paul, do you know any wholesaler in Manila so I can get deals from them? 

Thanks and regards

Karla

Hi, I am currently living in Malta, and would like to start my real estate business in Manila as it is my hometown. My goal this year is to buy 3-4 multifamily units in Manila that would generate at least 12% ROI.

Is there anyone who has purchased property/ies in Manila for cash flow? If there is, can you share advice on which specific location is best for investing? For start up, Will it be best to buy condominiums in a Prime location or to buy multi-units in a city close to Prime location?

Greatly appreciate your advices!

Found an answer on this :) 

https://www.amazon.com/Long-Distance-Real-Estate-I...

Hello, we have similar situation. I came from Philippines, and currently working and living in Malta. What I am doing now is to do my homework, and learning everything that I can first before jumping into investing. From our country, I believe that access to financing will be easier, as the bank knows you are living abroad thus earning more income. 

I guess that you still a find a way to extend your network in a place where you would like to invest because from them they can give you leads and know about the market condition.

I shared a similar post 

https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/12/topics/660...

Hi Lenny I love what you said, thank you. I built a plan for this year, and my first quarter is entirely dedicated to reading, finding mentor, practicing how to analyze good deals and extending my network. I am a little bit scared because I am living abroad and I will just basically trust the person I will hire to do the viewing and paperwork of the properties. While real estate has it's own inherent risks, investing while living abroad adds another risk.

May I know how you were able to find and close the deals in the Philippines. Did you do it yourself, and if yes, how much time did it take you to visit Philippines and do the necessary work?


Originally posted by @Lenny Grimes:

To give a little introduction, I am from Philippines but currently working and living in Malta (Southern Europe). I have no plans yet to settle back to my home country however I would like to start my real estate journey this year. I am thinking to start in Philippines as the properties are cheaper and I know the market better than in Malta.

Are there any ones here who invested properties in a home country (or any other country) but is living abroad? Will it be okay to start now, invest and hire other people to do the work for me (talking with agents, tenants, etc) with of course proper guidance and instructions from me; or should I just save my money and invest in properties in Philippines when I decided to settle and live there? 

May somebody tell me what are the things to consider and should pay close attention, what problems may arise?