All Forum Posts by: Matthew Forrest

I am currently renting in Redondo Beach and have been scouring the South Bay for the last six months to get a handle on the market and look for house hacking opportunities. In that time I have seen several MLS listings that my deal analysis suggested would cash flow if all of the units were rented out, and two that would cash flow with me occupying one of the rooms. Most of these were in Lawndale and went to cash buyers, but hey, it's possible! My goal is to keep at it and keep making offers. I know I'll get one eventually.

@Yifan D. Great list! I called all of the property managers on your list and a few others and had varying amounts of success, but having your list as a starting point was extremely helpful.

As a PSA for anyone else who goes through the list, the only companies that I got in touch with that currently provide PM services for outside clients are Green Valley Property Management & Apex Property Management.

@Michael Zonin. Did you end up finding a contractor in the area? 

Did any of you end up moving forward with any properties in Bethlehem? 

@Melissa N. Did the investor that you met with mention any property managers that he recommended? 

Thanks for all of the advice! Ishviyan D. Abel Curiel I don't think I was clear enough in my initial post so to clarify: -I live in LA -I am from Queens and go back frequently -I plan on doing buy & hold in Pennsylvania or other areas within 2 hours of the city. I think the number will work much better there.

My name is Matt Forrest and I am a new real estate investor living in Redondo Beach, CA. By day I am an Electrical Engineer and in my spare time I enjoy expanding my knowledge of personal finance and pursuing various business ideas/opportunities. 

After a few months of searching the South Bay area for multi-family and house hacking properties, I have decided to make an effort to invest in rentals near where I went to school back east (I am originally from Queens, NY). Over the last three months I have listened to most of the BiggerPockets podcasts and I have done some in depth market research for the areas that I am interested in, so I figure that it is time to find an agent and to start making offers. Any tips, agents recommendations or property manager recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

The stories that I have read and listened to on BiggerPockets (the good and the bad) have been encouraging. They have brought me to the point where I believe purchasing "buy and hold" properties is the right move and is something that will be positive for my family and I in the long term. That being said, thanks for everything, BiggerPockets!