All Forum Posts by: Matthew Morrow

This is wild. What are all your thoughts? 
https://www.wbaltv.com/article/baltimore-city-selling-vacant...

https://www.wbaltv.com/article/baltimore-city-selling-vacant...

@Alexandru Bordei

Would love to connect! Send me a direct message or text/email. My info in my profile below.
Talk soon

We're excited to present our next meetup - "Finding Deals in a Challenging Market". Friday 3/8/24- 6-8pm EST - In person and Via zoom (link below)

For anyone actively looking for deals- this class is for you. We are seeing the market shift in many ways, and finding a good deal can be tough. Tune in or visit us in person to learn ways of finding deals that match your needs.

We also will break down the common terms of Cash Flow, Cash on Cash, and CAP Rate and how critically important but vastly different they are.
***You are invited to attend in person both at the inspection location or our office. RSVP is required and space is limited.*** Email me directly if you are attending in person either at our office OR on location. Space is limited. [email protected]

All future events will be sent via meetup- not email. Please subscribe to our page here.
https://www.meetup.com/rei-partners/events/299507385/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=share-btn_savedevents_share_modal&utm_source=link

Also- Meetup videos and infor are uploaded to Youtube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts after each event.

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Navigating different markets in Pennsylvania can indeed be overwhelming, especially with varying neighborhood dynamics. (Most of our cities here vary like this, and each opportunity is evaluated on a case by case basis. Just the nature of real estate.) 

When searching for landlord-friendly areas, it's crucial to consider local regulations, tenant laws, and the overall rental market's health. Easton is by far the most hoops to jump thru in our area. But the rest are actually quite simple and straight forward if you follow their rules. 

 While you've already explored Harrisburg, Allentown, and Scranton, consider expanding your search to include other rural towns around metro areas that might offer a more stable and landlord-friendly environment. Additionally, if flood risk is a concern, prioritize areas with lower risk profiles. 

Self-managing properties also means you'll want a market that's not too demanding in terms of tenant turnover or maintenance issues. Networking with local landlords and real estate groups can provide valuable insights into different markets. Keep researching and visiting potential areas; finding the right fit might take some time, but it's key to a successful investment. 

If you need help with it, or just want to brainstorm- feel free to reach out! We invest here, and our team helps many investors find their deals in all of the Allentown, Reading, Pocono areas. 

Good luck!

The property with two homes has potential, especially with long-term tenants and the possibility of increasing rents from their current rates to closer to $1500 each. However, consider the need for maintenance or upgrades due to the owner's minimal upkeep over the years. When it comes to financing, a conventional loan might offer more appeal to future buyers, though owner financing could provide flexibility. Remember, there's room to negotiate on price and terms. Consulting with a real estate attorney or financial advisor can provide valuable insights, especially regarding financial aspects. Overall, this investment seems promising, particularly due to its proximity and rental income potential. Good luck with your decision!

When calculating taxes for small multi-unit properties (like duplexes, triplexes, or fourplexes), it's important to approach the numbers with caution. The taxes listed on MLS (Multiple Listing Service) can be a good starting point, as MLS is often updated and used by real estate professionals. However, it's not uncommon to find discrepancies between the figures listed on MLS and those on consumer-facing sites like Zillow or Trulia. This is because these sites might have outdated or less accurate information.

Our market- Allentown PA. Is on the map now for many reasons.

Our market can be advantageous for investors of all levels, especially those interested in BRRR. The Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania, encompasses the Cities of Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton, and surrounding areas- has been growing and evolving as an attractive real estate investment destination for several reasons:

Rising Property Values: The Lehigh Valley's housing market has shown substantial growth, with properties appreciating steadily. This trend suggests potential for long-term ROI both in property value and Rents

Affordability and Investment Opportunities: Compared to the national average, the Lehigh Valley offers more affordable housing options. A significant portion of income in the area is allocated to mortgage payments, making it an attractive market for investors. The presence of distressed properties, including foreclosures, provides opportunities for investment at potentially lower costs, appealing to those interested in refurbishment and resale or rental. Based on US Census data, this is the only area of PA that has a positive population growth, as people move away from bigger cities and into rural / affordable areas.

Diverse Real Estate Options:

Investors in the Lehigh Valley have a variety of options, including single-family homes, multi-family properties, and commercial real estate. This diversity allows for tailored investment strategies, whether for rental, refurbishment, or commercial use.

Urban Revitalization and Development:

Significant revitalization efforts, particularly in downtown Allentown, have enhanced the Lehigh Valley's appeal as a center for business, culture, and metropolitan living. Investments in mixed-use development, office buildings, and residential areas have attracted more residents and businesses, positively impacting the real estate market.

Strategic Location and Infrastructure:

The strategic location of the Lehigh Valley, bolstered by infrastructure like the Lehigh Valley International Airport, makes it a hub for transportation and logistics. This infrastructure supports the area's growth, enhancing its appeal to businesses and residents, which positively impacts the real estate market. It also is a huge Healthcare education and care hub. We have several highly respected Universities and other fortune 500 companies with HQ in town. Amazon, FedEx, Starbucs, and ChickFilA have all had massive surges in presence here, and we all know they are heavy into market research and population movement.

Economic Growth and Job Market:

The Lehigh Valley's economy has been growing, supported by diverse sectors like healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The improving job market, driven by this economic growth, sustains the demand for housing and makes the area an attractive place for people to live and work.

In summary, the Lehigh Valley's growing economy, affordable housing market, and urban development initiatives, along with its strategic location, make it a promising area for real estate investments. Whether it's the potential for property value appreciation, the variety of investment opportunities, or the vibrant urban environment, the Lehigh Valley offers several compelling reasons for investors to consider it as a destination for building and scaling their real estate portfolios.

Hope this helps!

Congratulations on embarking on your real estate investment journey! Since you're based in Los Angeles and looking for more budget-friendly markets, you might want to consider states like Arizona, Nevada, Texas, or the Midwest, which generally boast lower property values. These regions are known for their strong rental markets and potential for property value appreciation. 

Given that you are both 1099 independent contractors, your loan options might differ slightly. It would be beneficial to consult with lenders who have experience with self-employed borrowers or to work with a mortgage broker who can offer various financing options. In terms of the type of investment, multi-family properties often provide more income potential and risk diversification compared to single-family homes, although they might require more management. 

You'll also need to decide on your investment strategy, whether opting for long-term rentals for steady income or venturing into short-term or vacation rentals for potentially higher returns, albeit with increased management demands. If you choose to invest out of state, having a reliable property management company is essential, as they can handle daily operations, tenant issues, and maintenance tasks. It's also beneficial to join real estate investment groups and online forums, or attend local meetups to gain insights and recommendations from experienced investors.

Finally, thorough research on any market you consider is crucial, including looking at economic indicators, rental demand, and future development plans in the area. Best wishes for your real estate ventures!