All Forum Posts by: Kiersten Vogt

I just found a house in my local area while driving and came home to look up who owned it. I found out that LSFP MASTER PARTICIPATION TRUST is listed as the owner. Based on this thread, I guess I don't have much luck in purchasing it anytime soon?

Love this!!! Thank you for writing this up. I funded my very first solo flip with cash and credit cards (which definitely scared me a little.) Another flip was funded by a private investor who saw my capabilities and proven track record (I had also flipped houses with my parents but was more of the laborer and bookkeeper.) We purchased our personal residence in cash, fixed it up, refinanced and then purchased a duplex with the HELOC.

I just recently had a family member approach me and say he would like to be a private investor on some of our next few deals! 

I've looked into hard money but never took the plunge. What I like about hard money is that there's a second set of eyes on the deal. They won't fund it if there isn't enough meat on the bone! Yeah they're expensive, but if the numbers work why not? 

This is what I love about real estate... the creativity in funding the deals is so fun! As is negotiating and figuring out win win win solutions for everyone involved. 

Everything @James Mc Ree said is perfect! One thing I would add is if you have a w-2 day job, DON'T QUIT TOO SOON! I made that mistake and it held me back for years. 

I'm wondering what criteria you look for when deciding where to invest. Is it good schools? The "class" of the area or property? Do you look at demographics, employment, avg. household income?

I recently started working with a much more experienced real estate investor who is doing exactly what I want to be doing - marketing for off market deals, flipping houses (wholesaling the deals he can't handle, doesn't want or can't help the property owner and then buying rental properties for long term.) 

He recently had me figure out the "best" and most desirable school districts in my area and what a first time home buyer home looks like in that area. His idea is to target first time home buyer homes. First time buyers are less picky, more eager to get into a home and there is always downsizers also looking into these starter homes. And of course, purchase these homes in good school districts.

Thoughts?

@Matt M. Thank you! I'm not too familiar with Allentown but looking to broaden my knowledge of it!

What websites are good for learning demographics of particular markets? 

Thanks @Donovan Mitchell, I'll check that site out. 

@Justin Brown ... I guess a better question would be what schools are your clients interested in, asking for or seeking. 

@Clark Kirkpatrick Thank you for the input! I've heard those schools are popular. 

I've recently stumbled upon a "mentor" who has tasked me with figuring out the most sought after school districts near me. I know I can look this stuff up online based on "ratings" but he and I both feel like sometimes public opinion differs from these online ratings. 

If you're near Pennsburg, East Greenville, GIlbertsville, Bally, Barto, Pottstown, Quakertown, Allentown, Collegeville in Pennsylvania etc. let me know which school districts you find to be the most favorable for buyers. I believe Upper Perkiomen School District is good but not sure on too many others. 

If you aren't from around these areas... how would you figure out which schools are the most sought after. I'm going to reach out to local real estate agents and see if they have any input as well. 

Disclose disclose disclose! We sell our own flips and always disclose. There are some REO properties around here (and now HUD homes as well) that won't pay a commission if buying for yourself but they must disclose that as well!

Both!! I feel like in most markets you can't guarantee appreciation but it's great to aim for it in my opinion. We're looking at a triplex that has great cash flow now and I truly believe the area will appreciate greatly within the next 5 years.