All Forum Posts by: Kristin Holmes

@Kevin Fletcher Very good point- always gotta plan for those costly surprises. I don't plan on putting all my eggs in one basket. I'm probably going to buy outside of CA anyway. And i'll keep that furnace story in mind, wow that's rough. I want to make sure that which ever house I do buy I can cover the mortgage (or majority of) with my current job income just in case my units become empty. Thanks so much for the response!

@Jonathan Marcus I joined BP only a month ago but have been researching REI for the past couple of years. My boyfriend now owns 3 fourplexes in Fairfield, CA and he didn't know anything compared to what he learned after he actually did something. I've also learned a lot from him and his transactions. I don't want to be that person who over analyzes everything and does nothing. I know a few people who are VERY knowledgeable on the REI but never pulled the trigger. Thanks for the info! I definitely look into it.

@Jake Kucheck Haha yes, Im glad someone got the reference. After hearing what you and @Ali Boone said about buying in CA it only confirmed what I've been thinking. I actually stopped looking in CA and began looking in other states because it seems like I can get more for my money. I'm interested on how you guys make it work buying in other states so I'll probably bother you two about that later:) Thanks again for the insight I really appreciate it!

@Justin Case I have an appointment with a bank tomorrow to get pre-approved and see how my credit is. I very little debt and a couple of credit cards that i pay off evry month so i'm confident on that end.

As for the $250, i got from looking at a bunch of houses and crunching numbers and 250 seemed feasible. What is the criteria you look for when wanting to buy property?

@Jean Bolger I have saved for at least a 6 month emergency fund! And I explained my owner occupied multis situatrion to Jarrett, it is tough in LA but I keep looking. Thanks for the help!

@Jarrett Harris - That was what I initially wanted to do but after about a year of looking for a multi unit in my area (Los Angeles) I couldn't find a deal that made sense financially. The places i did find that I could afford/make money off of were in really bad areas ("the hood"-gangs,drugs,bad tenant histories) and I couldn't live there. Plus, in LA i would have to get an FHA loan because its just too expensive thus forcing me to live there for at least 6 months to a year.

Hey Everyone,

I'm technically not an investor yet because I haven't done anything but save money with the intention of investing in RE. I live in SoCal and after reading through BP blogs and the beginners guide (amazing by the way) I'm leaning toward buying a multi-unit property. But i'm curious of what others have done or wish they did when they first started. If you were in your mid twenties with about 25k in the bank how would you start your real estate investment journey? Buy a place in CA, buy a couple cheap houses outside of CA? Multi-unit, SF, flipping?

@Bryan L. and @Martin Zawarski I love hearing the pros on why i should get my license really gives me something to think about. Having MLS access would definitely be worth pit. Thanks again guys!

@Jonna Weber and @Shawn M. Thanks so much for the insight! I was definitely leaning toward not getting my license now especially if I don't plan on actually being an agent. I also was told that you would have disclose that information which could work against you when buying. Thanks again guys you guys have been a huge help!

Hello All!

I just joined BP yesterday and I plan to buy my first rental property within the next 6 months. Quick question, should I get my RE license? I don't want to be an agent but I just think it couldn't hurt. Is it a waist of time and money? Thoughts, suggestions, benefits, experiences?

Thanks!