All Forum Posts by: Mark F.

@Logan Graham thanks, I guess that would be a better worded question.

Are RE classes worth it or do you get anything out of them?

Appreciate the input. I'll do some digging on that.

My local college does offer PM courses. I dont plan on making that a career, only self manage between 5 and 10 doors total. Wonder if those would be more beneficial?

@Jonathan Curcio thanks, I'm hopefully for the winter months. And I appreciate the confirmation about people over paying. I had to ask myself "am I going crazy or is there something I dont see when the numbers add up?"

Hello BP!

First I'm not really sure where to put this question so if it needs to be moved please do so. To preface this, I'm using my GI Bill for the remainder of my degree (current active duty military) and have secured a couple job opportunities once I'm out of the Coast Guard. My major is political science but I seeOP no reason to minor in something similar (CJ minor is 18 credits but it won't do me much good as oppose to RE classes).

I'm currently about 18 upper level credits away from my bachelors. Ive finished up my core classes for PS. With the remaining classes I have left to take, I'd like to take something that is going to benefit me. Im actively looking for a 2-4 unit to house hack and putting offers in every month. Does anyone know of any real estate related classes from an accredited University that I can take online? The University that I'm currently finishing up in only has in person classes and is not local.

The local property management classes are not considered upper level. Thankd!

Thanks Ehsan. I did a quick poke around the other day on listsource and I would need to see exactly how to sift through the filters and whatnot. 

Thanks Mike, very true. I'm learning so much by this. Plus I came from a different state where things flow differently. Seeing 3 properties this week and hopefully an offer on at least one. Paying retail up here definitely seems the norm, not saying I should but even this 3 family I'm checking out tomorrow would do very well after value add and market rent raises. 

@Natalie Schanne I know this is a 2 year old thread but I have the same issue on a bunch of properties I go check out. Three units or under specifically, there are tenants and I need to occupy one for my loan requirements. If they have 1 year leases leases that do not expire within 60 days, does the rule of them having 60 days not apply? Thank you!

@Tom Shallcross Excellent points thank you. And yes, if it's the easy route everyone will do it.

@Jeff Kao Thank you. I agree and the more I read my post, the more I feel like I sound kinda whiny. Definitely a hustle game and I haven't put as much effort in as I should.

Hello BP!

So I decided to make the leap and purchase in North Jersey for a small MF (2-4 units) around Hudson, Essex or possibly Union. I've been using a realtor (finally settled on one that fits my style) and seeing all MLS houses. It seems to be the same story though; all the ones that are good are getting multiple offers day of or the rest are vastly overpriced. I'm using a VA loan (house hacking) and have seen properties and put in about 5 offers. I'm new to the NE market moving up from the south.

My question is, am I spinning my wheels just looking at MLS deals? From doing some reading on the NJ BP section and talking to people, it's obvious this is a highly competitive market. One where some people are willing to overpay. I know my first deal using a VA loan doesn't help my chances but I'm just getting slightly discouraged. Is it time to use other means like driving for dollars or even possibly direct mail down the road? I mentioned driving for dollars to a realtor I know longer use and he laughed at me, saying it was impossible. I appreciate the advice!

Edit: There was a lot more I could have written but I'll keep this short. I've purchased a home before but wasn't sure if I should wait it out until the fall/winter. Do MF sales get effected being out of season like SFR's do? I have no problem purchasing in the dead of winter. As far as my goals, I would like aquire 10 MF properties in the next 6 years. I still plan on keeping my W2 job.

Devils advocate here: we have a lot of window AC units up north that tenants install. What if in this scenario it was the tenants AC unit? Would they then be responsible?