All Forum Posts by: Kalimah Jenkins

@Tomer Sonsino The only way to know for sure is to send off the transcript to AMP.  I am an attorney and had to send my transcript off to get a waiver to sit for the exam.  You won’t be able to register without either the waiver or a course completion certificate.  With respect to whether you can study on your own by just taking the exams, I am sure you could but it may take longer than simply sitting through a course.  I recently completed a course and took and passed the test despite having a waiver.  Just seemed easier to know what would be on the test.

Rama Krishna Section 8 is fine as long as you do your due diligence. Also, it’s easier to find tenants in certain areas of Marietta Section 8 vs. non Section 8. Also feel free to pass on that lead if you don’t end up buying it. I’d be interested in a 6 in Marietta inasmuch as I hold there too.

John Dean I don’t personally like certain areas. It’s all about what you feel you can handle. I pretty much stay in Cobb and Cherokee and while the prices are higher, so are the rents. I do agree with Parker Stiles about wholesalers. Problem is finding good ones who are not trying to gut the deal. I’m that case, you may as well stick with a realtor. I also don’t discount good realtors. Picked up one in Kennesaw last week off of the MLS for about 75% ARV. Now, that was just plain lucky and the Gods were shining down on me that day. That’s not normal off of the MLS these days especially with the bidding wars, but it can happen. Point is, pick your target area and scour every part of it — FSBOs, Realtor’s, wholesalers — and you will come up with something.

@Cristina S. I have a little different take than some here.  I flip and hold in Cobb County, primarily in East Cobb, Marietta, and Kennesaw.  I don't particularly like condos, simply because of the HOAs, potential restrictions, etc.  However, I love townhouses and there are plenty here in GA.  I own 4 of them in at least B+ neighborhoods.  They cash flow very well (almost as good as a house), are low maintenance, and have low risk.  I think you should look into these as an option from what I'm hearing you describe.  

Now, one of the problems that I see is definitely the 50% down in this market. Townhouses at the right price go quickly (well I guess anything at the right price does). So, even at 50%, someone is going to come in with cash, quick close, etc. However, if you're willing to go 100% on something (maybe a HELOC or a partner), you can refi it out in 6 months and get your money back. Since you sound a little risk averse, this may make you very uncomfortable. I know several people also say this is not a good way to do it because your cash is gone it doesn't sound as though you are going to be using that cash too fast again anyway. The sad truth for you is that the DOM in East Cobb, Roswell, Alpharetta, etc. is very, very low. It is a very fast market right now and if you don't come in strong and quick, you're going to be out of luck.

Guess it depends on who you ask. Just had this discussion the other day. I definitely don’t “suck” as an investor. In fact, I’m rarely given any information from “fellow” investors because I often feel, a quid pro quo is expected. You often hear “how can you give value to that person?” I actually only began hearing that expression when I moved south from NY 10 years ago. I’m simply asking a question or two but many are not open and hold information so tight to the chest. Alternatively, they have no interest in helping only talking about their own accomplishments. Ask ME and I will tell you. Perhaps, it’s the professor in me. The only thing I expect is the same thing in return when I have a question. There’s enough property for anyone and if a person is willing to learn, I’m willing to teach.

Greg Shyne It always amazes me how people are so afraid of simply telling the truth and would rather spend their time making up all sorts of stories. Sorry, I haven’t been in the exact same situation but I have been asked by a 30 year friend and just today, by my sister in law. Answer: In order to maintain relationships, we don’t rent to family or friends. Easy peasy.

Afrim Haxhaj Broadly, when I manage my rentals, I’m a property manager — tenant calls, leases, etc. When I manage my flips, I’m a project manager — time, budget, scope. Hope this helps.

Joshua Feit Following this discussion for the same reason. I did look up Optimum One and they seem to have a good arrangement.

@Kate Kratochvil I’d have to agree.  One way to get more money over the long run is to pay down high interest debt.  Do you have a high interest cc you can pay off?  You talk about private money.  The best would be paying yourself 10-15% by paying off high interest debt.

@Duane Tyndale I invest in Marietta and could assist.  I know the area well.  PM me if you want.