All Forum Posts by: Kristina Kuba

@Angela Wang

Hey, welcome to the community!

Sounds like you're on a solid path and doing some big things—respect for diving into the international investor space too, that's next-level. I'm based in Tampa and have done 45+ flips in the area over the years. Got a solid rolodex of reliable contractors, so if you ever need a connection or insight on a project, just let me know.

@Abigail King

Wholesaling gets you a quick check. Flipping gets you a big check. But once you master the skill of finding discounted deals, you’ll always be successful—because every profitable transaction starts with a great deal.

You can start wholesaling for free by targeting MLS properties. Call agents, build relationships, and negotiate discounts. From there, you can either assign the contract for a quick profit or take on the flip yourself. The key is to do it the right way: build strong relationships with agents, have intelligent conversations about necessary rehab work, and determine an accurate after-repair value (ARV).

Master the art of finding discounted deals, you’ll generate active cash flow—and that cash flow can eventually be put into rental properties and building long-term wealth.

PS. If you don’t have kids or lots of pets. Continue to house hack your first deal, wait two years, turn that first house hack into rental and go for a four unit quadplex househack next.

@Tom T.

You’ve got a solid game plan, and I like that you’re prioritizing learning over trying to hit home runs right away. A few thoughts:

Syndicate:

Great way to get your feet wet with real estate while staying passive. Just make sure you fully understand the terms—some syndicates have long hold periods, fees that eat into returns, and profit splits that aren’t always investor-friendly. Look for operators with a strong track record, and definitely read the PPM carefully. BiggerPockets has good discussions on syndicates, and you might want to check out Ashcroft Capital, Origin Investments, or even Fundrise if you want something more hands-off (though it’s not a true syndicate).

House Hacking (Big Fan of This One!)

This is one of the best ways to start because you get hands-on experience while keeping your living costs low. Some key things to think about:

• -Financing – FHA loans (3.5% down) and conventional loans (5% down) are your best bets. If you're going the duplex/triplex/quad route, FHA is a killer option since you can get in with low money down while still owner-occupying.
• -Tenant Selection – This is HUGE. A bad tenant can make your life miserable, especially if you’re living in the same building. Screen well, and don’t cut corners just because you “vibe” with someone.
• -Managing Repairs – Smart move planning to hire out repairs. Just make sure you have a solid handyman or contractor on speed dial so you’re not scrambling every time something breaks.
• -PadSplit Option – If you're comfortable with a little more hands-on management, you could consider setting up a PadSplit instead of just doing traditional rentals. Basically, it’s a co-living model where you rent out individual rooms, which can massively boost your cash flow. Works best in markets with strong rental demand, and it’s good for keeping vacancy rates low.

Also, just make sure the numbers work for when you eventually move out—some house hacks only make sense when you’re living in them, but don’t actually cash flow once you move.

Long-Distance Rental

Love that you’re okay with just breaking even at first—too many newbies get caught up in trying to make insane cash flow right away and get discouraged. Just a few things to watch out for:

• -Property Management is Everything – A bad PM can ruin your investment. Interview a few, get references, and don’t be afraid to switch if they suck.
• -Market Selection – Stick to landlord-friendly states with strong job growth and population trends. Florida, Texas, and the Midwest (Indy, KC, etc.) are solid choices.
• -Unexpected Costs – Since you’re not local, budget extra for maintenance and vacancy. --Long-distance investing means you won’t be able to just stop by and fix something yourself, so you’ll be paying a premium for labor.

Overall, your plan is solid. My only concern is doing all of this in year one—house hacking and a long-distance rental at the same time can be a lot. Maybe start with the house hack, get your systems in place, and then expand from there.

Hey @Melissa Vass Scott, sounds like you and your husband have a great skill set to create something amazing in the STR space! Love the approach of targeting luxury 1 bed/1 bath spots—definitely an underserved niche, especially for high-end travelers who don't need a massive place.

Since you both love the water and want to invest where you’d vacation, have you considered Tampa Bay? The market here is strong for STRs, especially in areas like Davis Islands, Hyde Park, and parts of St. Pete. You get the benefit of year-round tourism (beaches, sports, conventions, cruises), plus we're landlord-friendly compared to some of the tighter STR regulations in other states. Also, DSCR loans are a common route here, and I've got solid lenders who know the STR game well.

Biggest advice as a remote investor:
-Know your local regulations – Some cities/counties are strict, so pick the right zone.
-Have a great boots-on-the-ground team – Property management, cleaning, and maintenance are key.
-Optimize your listing – Strong professional photos and dynamic pricing tools will be your best friend.
-Think beyond Airbnb – Mid-term rentals (30+ days) can bring solid cash flow without the short-term headaches.

Happy to connect and share insights on the Tampa market if that’s on your radar.

@Michael Carlson

Sounds like a solid value-add play, especially if you're confident in the rent bump and ARV. A few things to consider:

1. Cash Flow – At $3,600 PITI and projected $3,600 in gross rents, are you comfortable carrying it for a bit until the rents adjust? Any other income potential (garage, storage, etc.)?
2. Exit Strategy – Since you’re coming off a strong flip, is this more of a long-term hold, or would you refi/sell once value is up?
3. CapEx – Roof, paint, and minor renos sound straightforward, but always good to budget extra in case of surprises. Have you factored in vacancy and lease-up time?
4. Financing – 15-year at 6.5% means you’re building equity fast but with a higher monthly. Have you considered a 30-year to improve cash flow?

If the goal is just to park money and force appreciation, seems like a solid bet, but I get why you’re feeling less confident compared to your last home run. Curious what your long-term plan is on this one!

@Sahil Tadwalkar

If you are new to flipping find a fix upper with an ARV around the median price. Purchase price should be 75% of the ARV minus rehab. Days on the market are always shorter for homes around the median price. Start here to ve safe and then work your way up on price for larger profit after you get more experienced. Best of Luck!

@Mario Niccolini 

With home insurance through the roof and Florida property taxes climbing, I’ve noticed a lot of my investors leaning toward multifamily. Honestly, it just makes sense—one lawn to maintain, one tax bill, one insurance policy, one roof. Obviously, there’s more to it than that, but in most cases, keeping overhead low and returns high is the move right now for many.

@Jeff Cua

Try Gunnar at Professional Insurance Services
proinsuranceflorida.com

 I found some of the best ones I still use to this date on Thumbtack.com !

@Ankit Maheshwari

I've personally bought investment properties from New Western; it's important to ask whether they invest in their own deals. As an investor myself, I don’t just help others—I actively fix and flip properties, manage both short-term and long-term rentals, and build my own portfolio. When choosing a company or agent to work with, make sure they truly walk the walk. Do they work with contractors firsthand? Do they run P&Ls? Do they spend weekends househunting? Partnering with someone who’s in the trenches daily can make all the difference in your investing journey.  Good luck on your search!