All Forum Posts by: Khalid Bryan

Your plan makes a lot of sense, and I think Kissimmee is the better option since you can rent it out and offset costs. Even if it just breaks even, that’s better than carrying the full expense like you would in Lakeland.

A couple of things to double-check before pulling the trigger:

1. Make sure the park actually allows short-term rentals without restrictions. Some have minimum stay requirements or owner occupancy rules.

2. Look at the demand and competition on Airbnb/VRBO to see if similar properties are getting booked consistently.

3. Have a plan for managing turnovers if you’re not there year-round. A local co-host or cleaner will be key.

Since you're new to STR, keep in mind there's a learning curve, but Kissimmee has strong vacation demand, so if the numbers work, it could be a great move. Would love to hear from anyone who has experience running a short-term rental in one of these parks—what's been your biggest challenge?

You are in a great spot with your first rental already cash flowing well, and now you have $30K left to put to work. The next move depends on how quickly you want to grow and how much risk you are comfortable with.

If you want to scale faster, using the $30K as a down payment on a duplex or triplex could be a strong move. A multi-unit property would increase your cash flow and build equity faster. Depending on the market, you might be able to finance a property in the $150K to $200K range with 15 to 20 percent down. If you are open to house hacking, you could even go FHA with just 3.5 percent down if you live in one of the units.

If you prefer a safer play, you could use the $30K to pay down your cash-out refi. This would lower your monthly payment and free up more cash flow, but it would also slow down your ability to acquire more rental properties.

Another option is splitting the $30K across multiple small rental properties. Instead of one larger deal, you could buy two single-family rentals similar to your first one, each in the $50K to $60K range. This would spread out your risk and diversify your portfolio, but it would also mean managing more properties.

One thing to keep in mind is how you plan to finance future deals. If you use a conventional loan now, that counts toward the limit of 10 investor loans under Fannie Mae. If you plan to grow beyond that, you may eventually need to look at portfolio loans or DSCR loans, which focus on the rental income instead of your personal income.

Whichever route you take, having the right real estate team can help you find the best deals and negotiate terms that fit your goals. And remember, commissions are always negotiable, so you can find an agent who understands your strategy and agrees to terms that work for you.

Hope this helps, and looking forward to seeing what you decide next.

Disclaimer: I am a licensed real estate broker associate in Florida, but I am not an attorney, CPA, or financial advisor. The information shared is based on my experience and industry knowledge and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional before making any real estate investment decisions.

Carl, you are in a great position to start investing, especially with your background in construction. Being able to evaluate rehab costs, manage renovations, and understand the process gives you a huge advantage when looking for deals.

Since you are in West Palm Beach and Jupiter, house hacking is a great way to start. If you have not already, I would look into FHA or VA loans if you qualify, since they allow you to buy a duplex, triplex, or fourplex with a low down payment. Even a single-family home with a legal additional living unit could work if you can find the right property.

Because you want a property that needs work, I would be careful not to take on something that is too distressed. A light to moderate fixer-upper can be great for adding value, but if you go too heavy on repairs, it can quickly turn into a full-time job and delay your ability to house hack and start generating rental income.

The ideal scenario would be finding a property that was last renovated between 2005 and 2019—something that is livable but could be updated to 2025 standards for maximum rent and resale value. Another good angle is looking for long-term rental properties with below-market rents, where you can upgrade and increase rents gradually as leases expire.

Now would also be a great time to start connecting with investor-friendly real estate agents, wholesalers, and lenders in your area. The right team can help you find the best deals, run the numbers, and negotiate smart terms so you set yourself up for long-term success. And remember, commissions are always negotiable, so you can find the right agent and agree to terms that work for your needs.

Your construction experience already gives you an edge—now it is just about finding the right deal. Keep networking, looking at numbers, and staying consistent, and you will land the right property before you know it.

Good luck, and keep us posted on your first deal.

Disclaimer: I am a licensed real estate broker associate in Florida, but I am not an attorney, CPA, or financial advisor. The information shared is based on my experience and industry knowledge and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional before making any real estate investment decisions.

I love that you are thinking through your options and making sure you are making the smartest financial move. You are in a solid position with low expenses, a strong savings cushion, and a pending income increase, but I think you have an even better opportunity here.

Before you commit to this townhouse, I would highly recommend talking to a lender and a real estate advisor about purchasing a multifamily property instead. Since you are planning to use a lot of cash anyway, you may be able to leverage an FHA loan and put down just 3.5 percent on a duplex, triplex, or fourplex, as long as you live in one of the units.

The advantage of this strategy is that the rental income from the other units gets added to your income, which means you could qualify for a larger loan and end up with a bigger, income-producing asset. Instead of putting all your cash into a single property, you could use a small down payment, keep more liquidity, and have your tenants cover a good portion of your mortgage.

If you go this route, the best setup would be to live in the smallest unit and rent out the larger ones so you maximize rental income. After a year or so, you could then qualify for another FHA or conventional loan on your next property while keeping the first one as a long-term investment.

If you are thinking about using the BRRRR method for your first deal, I would be cautious about taking on a property that needs too much work or has a lot of deferred maintenance. The best first investment is something nice, clean, and livable but still has room for improvement. A great target is a property that was last renovated between 2012 and 2019, meaning it is still in decent shape but could be upgraded to 2025 standards to maximize rent and value.

You can also look at properties with long-term tenants who have been paying below-market rents. If the landlord has not raised rents in years, you could increase rents gradually as leases expire or make upgrades to justify higher rents. It is all about adding value and improving cash-on-cash returns.

It is also worth checking market trends to see the year-over-year growth rate and run a pro forma to project how much appreciation and rental income increases you might see over time.

Your savings and financial discipline put you in a great spot, and I would just encourage you to explore how you can make your money work harder for you instead of locking it all into one property. The right real estate team can help you find the best opportunities and structure the deal in a way that sets you up for long-term success. And remember, commissions are always negotiable, so you can find an agent who understands your goals and works with you on terms that fit your needs.

Hope this helps, and I would love to hear what you decide.

Disclaimer: I am a licensed real estate broker associate in Florida, but I am not an attorney, CPA, or financial advisor. The information shared is based on my experience and industry knowledge and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional before making any real estate investment decisions.

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I love that you are diving in full force and already thinking about building your strategy the right way. The fact that you and your wife have already cashed out a good profit from selling your last home puts you in an amazing position to make this next move.

But I get it—when one person is all-in and the other is hesitant, it can feel like you are running in circles. Real estate is a team sport, and when that team includes your spouse, being on the same page is key. I've been married over 10 years myself.

The good news is, your wife is not against it—she is just not absorbing the information the way you are. You have spent a full week immersed in books, podcasts, and notes while she tried to get through one podcast. That does not mean she is uninterested—it just means you two may process things differently.

Instead of trying to get her to binge content the way you have, try shifting the conversation to how real estate can help with her goals. If you bring up rental properties, flipping, and house hacking, and she is not fully bought in, she may be hearing the work before she sees the benefit.

What if you framed it differently? Instead of saying, “We need to buy rentals, house hack, and flip properties,” try something like, “What if we found a way to build wealth, travel more, or retire earlier without relying on our 9-to-5s?”

Then, once you have her attention, keep it simple. You do not have to go straight into debt-to-income ratios and cash-on-cash returns. Maybe show her one story of someone in a similar position who bought their first rental or house hacked successfully. Sometimes one great real-world example can be more impactful than hours of research.

Also, you do not have to rush the strategy phase. You are on step five, and she is still deciding if she wants to take step one. That is okay. Start with conversations about what you both want long-term and how real estate might be a way to get there. Once you align on the goal, then you can talk about team-building, financing, and market strategies.

And honestly, now is a great time to start building your team. Most real estate teams are happy to meet and consult with new investors. You do not need to be ready to buy to start networking. Take some time to meet people—connect with agents, lenders, property managers, and investment advisors. You may find that you enjoy working with an investment real estate advisor for a few months just to get a better feel for your options.

You are in a great position, and if she is open to talking about it, you are already halfway there. Keep it light, keep it fun, and make sure she sees how real estate investing benefits both of you, not just something you are pushing for.

Good luck on the journey, and keep us posted on how it goes!

Disclaimer: I am a licensed real estate broker associate in Florida, but I am not an attorney, CPA, or financial advisor. The information shared is based on my experience and industry knowledge and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional before making any real estate investment decisions.

Keyshawn, great move using your VA loan to house hack. Buying a property that helps cover your mortgage is one of the best ways to start building wealth. While I am down here in South Florida, where real estate is a sport and finding a parking spot feels like an investment strategy, house hacking can work anywhere if you play it right.

Since you are new to the area, I would start by getting a feel for rental demand. Are most renters looking for long-term leases, or is there a strong demand for short-term or mid-term stays? Some areas have a steady need for traveling professionals, military families, or seasonal workers, which can give you different ways to structure your house hack beyond just a traditional long-term tenant.

Your VA loan is a huge advantage because it allows you to buy up to four units with zero down. If you can find a duplex, triplex, or fourplex, that is the ideal setup. But even if multifamily options are limited, a single-family home with a rentable guest suite, basement, or garage apartment can still work.

Finding a VA-friendly lender who understands house hacking is key. Not all lenders are experienced with investors using VA loans, so it is worth reaching out to local investor-friendly mortgage brokers or getting referrals from other veterans who have bought in the area. Some lenders even offer VA renovation loans, which could help if you find a property that needs a little work to maximize rental potential.

Before jumping into a deal, check local rental laws and HOA rules. Some areas have restrictions on short-term rentals or even renting out part of an owner-occupied home. You do not want to buy a property assuming you can house hack, only to find out later that the rules do not allow it.

Having the right real estate team can make a huge difference in helping you find and negotiate the best deals. A dedicated real estate agent who understands VA loans, house hacking, and investment properties can be a game-changer. And remember, commissions are always negotiable, so you can find the right agent and agree to terms that fit your needs.

Excited for you to start your real estate journey in Florida. Keep us posted on your progress, and if you ever make it down to South Florida, let me know. We do real estate a little differently here. More hurricanes, fewer basements, and somehow every house has a tropical vibe whether you like it or not.

Good luck with your house hack.

Disclaimer: I am a licensed real estate broker associate in Florida, but I am not an attorney, CPA, or financial advisor. The information shared is based on my experience and industry knowledge and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional before making any real estate investment decisions.

If you are struggling to find deals right now, you are not alone. The game has changed, and you have to be more proactive than ever to uncover solid opportunities. The good news? There are still plenty of deals out there, you just need to know where to look and how to get in front of them first.

One of the best ways to find deals is by working with wholesalers. These guys spend all day tracking down motivated sellers, and their whole business depends on moving properties quickly. If you build relationships with the right wholesalers, you can get access to deals before they ever hit the market. Connect with local wholesalers on BiggerPockets, Facebook investor groups, and at networking events. Let them know exactly what you are looking for so they come to you first when they get a deal that fits. Be ready to move fast because wholesale deals do not last long.

Another great way to find deals is by buying directly from other investors. Sometimes seasoned investors want to sell part of their portfolio because they are tired of managing properties, need quick liquidity, or are looking to 1031 exchange into something bigger. Many of these properties never get listed because they are sold within investor networks. Start building relationships at real estate meetups, REIAs, and even through property managers who may know of landlords looking to offload properties.

Do not overlook the power of your personal network. Family, friends, and co-workers may already know someone looking to sell. Let people know you are buying real estate. Post about it on social media. Ask around & you would be surprised how many off-market opportunities come from casual conversations.

Running targeted marketing campaigns is another effective strategy. The old-school “We Buy Ugly Houses” model still works. You can run targeted ads to homeowners in distress using Google Ads, Facebook, or mailers. Driving for dollars and looking for vacant or run-down properties is another way to find motivated sellers. In some areas, bandit signs still work if used correctly.

Building a strong brand and being visible as an investor also helps bring deals to you. Yard signs, car magnets, and even business cards still go a long way. Make sure your website or social media clearly says you buy investment properties. The more visible you are, the more likely someone will bring you a deal.

At the end of the day, the right real estate team can be the perfect catalyst for your operation. Having a dedicated person whose job is to find and negotiate deals that match your goals can help you scale much faster. Remember, commissions are always negotiable, so you can find the right agent and agree to terms that fit your needs. Real estate is all about scaling efficiently, working with the right people makes all the difference.

Disclaimer: I am a licensed real estate broker associate in Florida, but I am not an attorney, CPA, or financial advisor. The information shared is based on my experience and industry knowledge and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional before making any real estate investment decisions.

Welcome to Real Estate!

Hey Tyson, congrats on getting started and welcome to the community. First off, thank you for your service. It is great that you are already thinking ahead about scaling your portfolio.

Since you are a veteran, have you looked into using a VA loan for a multifamily property? If you are eligible, you can buy up to a four-unit property with zero down as long as you live in one of the units. This is one of the best ways to start building wealth in real estate while keeping your upfront costs low.

As for holding properties in an LLC, it is a great conversation to have early. There are pros and cons depending on your goals.

Why an LLC Might Be a Good Move

• Helps protect your personal assets in case of a lawsuit

• Makes it easier to bring in partners in the future

• Keeps your real estate finances separate from personal accounts

Why It Might Not Be the Right Move Just Yet

• Most traditional lenders will not give a mortgage to an LLC, so you may have to use commercial or DSCR loans, which usually have higher rates

• Some people assume an LLC will save them money on taxes, but rental income is still taxed as pass-through income for most investors

• There are extra costs like annual filing fees and bookkeeping

A lot of new investors get stuck on this decision, but the reality is, you can always start out in your personal name and transfer properties into an LLC later.

One more thing I wish someone told me early on is that property management takes more time than you think. Even before I had kids, managing rentals could be a headache, and now time is even more limited. If your goal is to scale, I would suggest running your numbers with property management costs included from the start.

Also, if you plan on adding more properties soon, I would avoid anything that needs too much renovation upfront. Even if you hire contractors, you will still need to manage them, make sure they stay on schedule, and deal with surprises. It is much easier to start with a simple, functional property, learn the basics, and grow from there.

You are on the right track. Keep making smart moves, and you will scale up in no time. Good luck on your next deal.

Disclaimer: I am a licensed real estate broker associate in Florida, but I am not an attorney, CPA, or financial advisor. The information shared is based on my experience and industry knowledge and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional before making any real estate investment decisions.

Congrats on the full-price offer! That’s a great spot to be in.

Easiest fix? Ask for a later closing date. If the buyer is serious, two extra weeks won’t be a big deal. If they’re financing, the process already takes time, so a slight delay probably won’t matter.

If the home is vacant, maybe they can move some things in as a short-term tenant until closing (if their lender and community allows it). That way, they feel locked in while waiting for the rule to clear.

Just communicate—if they really want the house, they’ll likely wait rather than start over.

Good luck closing the deal!

Disclaimer: I am a licensed real estate broker associate in Florida, but this is not legal or financial advice. Always consult a qualified professional.