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All Forum Posts by: Kristian Orphe

Kristian Orphe has started 2 posts and replied 6 times.

Post: Looking For Multi-Family Investment Agent

Kristian OrphePosted
  • Posts 6
  • Votes 2
Quote from @Rick Albert:

Hey Kristian,

I am a Realtor who is on his second house hack here in Los Angeles. I'm a case study in the House Hacking Strategy. I also manage a Facebook Group with roughly 1300 landlords, mostly here in So Cal. I also own properties in three other states.

Unfortunately what you are looking for is far from a needle in a haystack. There are many 3-4 unit properties out there for sale but most are tenant occupied and most are paying below market rents. The numbers won't work. The second hurdle is if you do an FHA loan with 3.5% down, then there is a self sufficiency test, which basically means the lender takes 75% of the total rents (including what your unit would rent for) and it needs to cover the PITI (payments, interest, taxes, and insurance). The numbers don't work here. If you think about it, if the numbers work at 3.5% down, then why wouldn't an investor putting 20%-30% down buy it? There is the 5% down option that doesn't require a self sufficiency test, but the numbers still wouldn't be where you want them.

If you are looking at a house with an ADU, those are starting at around $900K and go up from there unless you are in C or lower class neighborhoods.

You could look into the FHA 203(k) loan for construction, but you run into the same concerns. It is the loan program that I did on my second house hack. Now if I wanted to I could live for free with major sacrifice (roommates, etc.) but that took time with appreciation and I had refinanced. I've owned it for 5 years now.

I'm not trying to be a negative person, I'm trying to be realistic. There may be some opportunities out there where you have to get extra creative, like creating extra rooms, etc. For example maybe buying in areas like Pacoima where having multiple rooms is common. I would just hate for you to go down this route with an agent who claims it can be done just for you to be in a bad spot.

I'm happy to talk to you more about it.


 Thank you for your very quick, honest and detailed reply. 
This information is incredibly helpful! 

So about the self-sufficiency test, lets say I didnt want to live for completely free and my wife and I are willing to contribute a significant amount to the mortgage (between $2000-$3000).

Would this seem more realistic if I find a property with a vacant unit to live in?

Post: Looking For Multi-Family Investment Agent

Kristian OrphePosted
  • Posts 6
  • Votes 2

Hello everyone.

I’m looking for an investment Agent who can help me live my dream of living minimum to rent-free.

My goal is to purchase a Triplex or 4plex in the Los Angeles or Inglewood area live in 1 unit and rent out the other 3. I am hoping with the high rents in the area I can live rent free or under $1000 a month.

Challenges: the only challenge I’m having is down payment/closing costs as I do not have much saved in looking to take advantage of a down payment assistance program. Other than that I make decent income (approx. 110k/yr) and currently live with family rent free.

Knowledge: I do have an active real estate license and although I do not work under any broker, I understand the ins and outs of property management. Including landlord obligations, leasing and vacancies. I also know a bit of cosmetic construction techniques like sink, drywall, cabinet installations end can even put together a small team if needed.

main question
: Does anyone know a real estate agent who can help me find a move in ready house in LA with minimal repares(preferably none) where the rest of the units can fund the mortgage. Or should I leave this dream alone? Any tips/advice help as well!


thank you

Post: First Investment Property Advice

Kristian OrphePosted
  • Posts 6
  • Votes 2
Quote from @Robert Reynolds:

@Kristian Orphe,

The only way I can see that working is seller financing if possible. If you are looking in LA your best bet is to save up $30-$40k and use a FHA loan at 3.5% and then househack it with some friends. Reach out if you ever need help.


 Excellent advice! I didn't consider seller financing. Thank you, I'll be sure to keep you in mind when I get to the next step!

Post: First Investment Property Advice

Kristian OrphePosted
  • Posts 6
  • Votes 2
Quote from @Sergey A. Petrov:

A hard money lender will most likely require an even higher downpayment especially if you are brand new to this and have no other investing experience 


 I sincerely appreciate your advice. Seems like I would have to tweak my strategy and maybe invest in cheaper out-of-state markets.

Post: First Investment Property Advice

Kristian OrphePosted
  • Posts 6
  • Votes 2
Quote from @Sergey A. Petrov:

$10k doesn't get you anywhere close to a $700k property unless you find a partner with additional capital to bring to the table. Save your money and get rid of your car expenses. Get an FHA loan with a 3.5% downpayment (budget more for closing fees) and grow from there


 I was afraid someone might say that as I was thinking the same. I've already prequalified for 500k but they're asking for around 50k down (including closing) and that really doesn't fit my schedule or goals. I suppose a hard money loan would still require excess money down? Maybe California isn't my market.

Post: First Investment Property Advice

Kristian OrphePosted
  • Posts 6
  • Votes 2

Hey BP Community,

I was hesitant to ask at first but after reviewing a lot of other posts I thought I would just come straight out and ask for help. So about me: I'm currently finishing my bachelor's program for Business Administration and waiting for my Real Estate License application to finish processing so I may take the exam here in California. I realize this was not necessary to start investing, however, I figured it would help me get over the fear of investing in my first property. I work in IT and can assist anyone with anything from building a website to computer/cellphone repair. I gross about 80K a year from my full-time job with almost no financial obligations besides my car expenses. I'm OK with saving money, but far from the best. My point is: that I can pay and would rather not have to save up a crazy amount of money. Most importantly, I'm ready to take on risks.

The Delima:

So I believe I am ready to buy my first investment property but my objective is to do so with 100% "other people's money". The strategy I'm interested in most is BRRRR(multifamily), fix-and-flip, and eventually STR(short term rentals). Recently, a semi-distressed owner offered me a house in Los Angeles (Jefferson Park) for a little under-market value (~700k). Similar houses being flipped in the area are selling at around 1.1 million ARV.

The Question:

How can I make money off of the described opportunity? Any way possible, BRRRR, Fix and flip, STR anything. I would just hate to lose this opportunity (if it's even good).

Is there anyone willing to help a newbie find deals and get into investing? (Essentially hold my hand.)

I have around 10k to invest. What should be my next move?