All Forum Posts by: Kim Stofan

Hey @Rivy S. I really appreciated reading your post about balancing work, family, and investing. This has been the biggest challenge for me since I started investing (only a year ago). I work as a registered nurse and have two small kids (3 and 1) and trying to find time to devote to REI is challenging and usually leaves me feeling guilty because it's taking time away from my kids. It's super hard to find a good balance.

I've always been a very ambitious person who thrives under pressure.  I am happiest when I'm learning new things and working on new projects.  So I believe that I am a better mom and wife when I'm able to work on my passion projects that are fulfilling to me.  I believe that my girls will benefit from watching me work hard on these goals and hopefully it will help them be successful in their lives as well.  

Of course, finding a healthy balance is very important, and it's something I work on everyday. But I believe that if you have a passion for REI, you should continue to pursue it. I believe your children will benefit from watching you work hard towards your goals.

Hey @Craig Drummond.  Glad you found BP!  If you haven't already, check out the podcast and watch some of the live webinars.  They are so so helpful to newbies.  What areas are you hoping to invest in?  Have you found any good meetups?  There's one in Roseville that meets once a month, but they take the summer off.  Good luck, see you around BP!

Welcome @Eric Anderson, glad you found BP!  House hacking is an awesome way to get started. The podcasts offer a great amount of education.  A couple podcasts that feature some military investors are # 183 and 206.  See you around BP!

Hey @Alexander L., if you haven't already, I'd recommend listening to as many podcasts as possible while you are driving around. They are super helpful in gaining an education in REI. Make sure you watch one of the webinars too. Find a local meet-up and get out there and start meeting and networking with local investors! Good luck!

Hey @Account Closed  I'm up here near Sacramento and I have been investing in out of state properties for the last year.  I have 3 buy and hold properties in two different markets.  It's early on, but it's been smooth sailing thus far.  I always love to talk with other out of state investors to compare notes and markets.  

Hi @Tony H.. He's really got his finger on the pulse of the multi-family market in Sac. Also, try to get out to a local REIA and meet some local investors. Continue to educate yourself by listening to the BP Podcast, reading RE books and BP forums. Good luck!

What's up everyone! I am pretty new to investing but have purchased 3 turn-key out of state properties in the last year. Since I started learning about REI I have been pretty much obsessed. I decided to go the turn-key route to start with because I still work 30 hours a week as a Labor and Delivery Nurse and I have two small children (3 and 1). My husband is very supportive of my real estate dreams but is not actively involved. I'm good at multi-tasking (as most moms are), but I find it very difficult to juggle working, kids, and real estate. When my kids are older I plan on getting more active in my local market. It's inspiring to see all these successful women commenting on here.

Hey @Chris Strasser, welcome.  Glad you are taking advantage of the networking events in your area.  Sounds like you got a solid plan to move forward with.  Best of luck!

Thanks for these comments.  Gives me a lot to think about.  I appreciate it!

I was hoping some experienced investors could weigh in on something my husband and I have been discussing. We took out a HELOC on our primary residence to pay for some home improvement projects and to use as down payments for rental properties. The line is 100K and we have it pretty much maxed out. The interest rate is around 6% but is variable. We have purchased three out of state buy and hold properties that cash flow about $200 per month. Our real estate goal (for now) is to have a portfolio of 10 properties. We are hoping to have these properties free and clear as soon as possible.

I would like to use the cash flow to pay down the principal of the properties and snowball it. My husband feels like we should use the cash flow to pay down the HELOC. He believes it will allow us to buy more properties sooner. I would prefer to keep the business money and our household money separate. Does anyone have soon input/ advise on this matter? Thanks!