All Forum Posts by: Kristin Flores-Brockman

Hello! I am a completely new investor with 0 real estate experience living near Dallas, TX. I am currently looking for buy and hold properties to supplement my current 1099 income, so cash flow is important. I'm 26 years old who is green between the ears, but very eager to gain knowledge however I can and from whoever I can. I'm looking for a local REIA and a mentor to help me get started.

Any thoughts, suggestions or questions are greatly appreciated!

I have owned a flooring store in DFW for the last 7 years, and I've worked with both retail customers and investors. Last year, my dad passed away in west Texas and I inherited 2 houses in the kind of shape that people would love to see driving for dollars. So over the last year I dealt with houses with roofs with gaping holes in them, mold damage, rain damage, broken sewage pipes, stolen water heaters, an ancient electrical panel that had caught on fire, my grandmother's metal shed being stolen by a hoarder tenant, my dad also being a hoarder, and even some fun squatters. Fortunately, a GC I work with helped me save the day. She introduced me to a hard money guy, helped me set up the deal and helped me by sending workers to west Texas. It was about this time that some squatters broke into one of the houses and started sleeping there. They even lit a fire in the garage, possibly for cooking or heat I'm not sure.  I hit just about every bump in the road but eventually got the houses on the market. One of them is currently sold, and the other is still on the market. The one that was sold had a guy on Facebook trying to get deposits for rent from people. Basically after the house was under contract, this guy broke in my house 5 hours away and started showing it to people to get rent deposits from them. Fortunately, my realtor caught it and we got the locks replaced. ANYWAYS! So yeah, I'm sure some of you are now wondering why I'm here after all those problems. I guess I caught the bug? Honestly, even after the repairs, and the hard money and everything I came well out ahead. At this point I guess nothing is going to surprise me moving forward even though there probably will be things.  I'm in the Fort Worth area and looking to learn a bit more at this point.

Thank you so much for your response. The area is in 76123 zip code and the rent is for 2200 for 3 bed, 2bath whereas the average rent I see in that area is 1900-2300 for 3-4 bedroom.(again as shown in Zillow). I had 3 tenant so far and nobody had stayed for full term so far. I had to evict them or ask them to leave before eviction. And once its back in the market, it takes 1-2 month atleast to get new tenant. I think its the area. I hear that people can hear gun shooting and all in that area.  I dont know if thats the reason or if there is other reason as well.Its my first time buying house and renting out as I had to move to different state. I didnt know even to evict I have to pay money out of my pocket just to make the house empty and not even a chance of getting my owed rent back.

Even if I lower the rent which I am willing to, problem is not getting good tenant.  Yes, like you said its short term cash issue but Its getting really frustrating that I cannot get any good tenant who pays on time.

Hey Everybody,

My name’s Caleb, I’m 19 years old and currently working full-time as an apprentice electrician in the Dallas–Fort Worth area. I work long hours in the trade, but I’ve been using my free time to study real estate investing. My main interest right now is house hacking — I’d like to buy my first property within the next couple of years and turn it into the foundation for a rental portfolio.

I don’t come from a real estate background, but I’m committed to learning and putting in the work. I’ve been diving into books like The Millionaire Real Estate Investor and listening to BiggerPockets podcasts, and I’m starting to really understand how powerful real estate can be for building wealth.

I joined this community because I want to surround myself with people who are actually doing the things I want to do. I’m here to learn, contribute where I can, and connect with other investors — especially those active in the DFW area.

Looking forward to learning from you all and eventually sharing my own progress here.

Caleb