All Forum Posts by: Melissa Justice

Thanks, David! It was a pleasure working with you. Looking forward to our next deal together! 

@Zach Lemaster

Best,

Melissa, Rent to Retirement Investment Strategist

@Dean Halpin

I’m not an attorney and can’t offer legal advice, but this situation seems to have the potential for a lawsuit for unpaid wages. I strongly recommend consulting with an employment attorney—search for one in the area where the business is operating. That would be my first suggestion.

As for real estate, much like what others have shared, it’s a long-term journey. Success in this field doesn’t happen overnight—it requires years of strategic investing, continuous education, and persistence.

The key is to focus on growing markets, quality neighborhoods, and building a strong support team. While it can be a lot of work if you're going solo, partnering with a reputable team can make the process much smoother. At Rent to Retirement, we’ve been helping investors navigate these challenges for over a decade. I’d be happy to answer any questions you have about analyzing markets or getting started.

Most importantly, choose a market that aligns with your long-term goals.

Wishing you much success!

Melissa, Investment Strategist at Rent to Retirement

Hello @Brendan Jones

It sounds like you have a great opportunity with your unique situation. Here’s some advice to consider for your first home and cash flow strategy:

Using your property as a short-term rental during the baseball season is a smart idea. Airbnb and VRBO are popular platforms, and corporate rentals or mid-term rentals like on Furnished Finder could also be an option depending on demand. Proximity to Nashville is key—properties within 5-15 minutes of the city tend to attract more guests, but a nicer home 20-30 minutes away could provide more value in the long run.

Make sure to research short-term rental rates in both areas to determine which offers the best return. A property closer to Nashville could generate higher nightly rates but might come with higher costs. You can look that data up on AirDNA.

Once you move, turning the home into a long-term rental could offer stable income. The White House area might appeal to families or professionals wanting to live near Nashville at a lower cost.

If you're open to exploring other markets, Memphis, TN also offers strong rental investment opportunities. With affordable property prices and a growing rental market, it can be a great option for long-term cash flow.

If maximizing short-term rental income is your priority, a home closer to Nashville could be worth the extra cost. If you prefer a nicer home with future equity growth, White House might be the better choice. Ensure that the cash flow from short-term rentals will cover your expenses.

Ultimately, it depends on balancing location, property condition, and cash flow goals. If you're aiming for short-term rental income, Nashville’s proximity is important. If you prefer long-term stability and future appreciation, White House may suit you better. Additionally, don’t overlook Memphis, which has great potential for rental investments as well. Do some research into both areas to see which aligns best with your financial goals.

Good luck, and feel free to reach out if you need more help!

Best,

Melissa

Investment Strategist at Rent To Retirement

@Chris Core

There are real estate investment opportunities across various markets, particularly in the Midwest and Southeast regions, which offer affordable purchase prices for most investors. These markets feature turnkey properties, such as new builds or fully rehabbed homes that are tenant-ready, with systems that still have about 10 years of life remaining and property management teams already in place. These homes not only appreciate in value but also see growing rental income. Depending on your down payment (which it seems like you have a good amount of liquid for that) they can nicely cash flow.

Ultimately, success in real estate investing comes down to choosing a growing market, investing in a good neighborhood, and building a strong team to support you. If you're doing it solo, it can require a lot of time and effort. Working with a reputable team can ease the process. At Rent to Retirement, we’ve been helping investors navigate these decisions for over a decade.

If you have questions about market analysis or getting started, feel free to reach out. Most importantly, choose a market that aligns with your investment goals!

Wishing you the best,
Melissa
Rent to Retirement Investment Strategist

Hey @Divine Nasikpo

If you have limited cash or assets, there are still ways to start earning in real estate:

1. Wholesaling: While there are mixed opinions, wholesaling can be done with minimal money. You find distressed properties and sell the contracts to investors for a fee.

2. Partnering: Partner with investors who have capital. You can contribute by finding deals or managing properties in exchange for a share of the profits.

3. Lease Options: Control properties without owning them by renting with an option to buy, and potentially sublease for profit.

4. Owner Financing: Buy properties directly from sellers willing to finance, bypassing traditional lenders and often requiring less upfront money.

5. REIGs: Join real estate investment groups to pool funds with others for property investments.

For a more hands-off approach, investing in turnkey properties in growing markets with minimal upfront investment would be ideal (like in the Southeast and Midwest of the country). These properties are tenant-ready properties and support long-term growth. 

It’s possible to start small, build experience, and scale over time. That is what our team at Rent to Retirement has been helping investors to do for a decade now with BP. I'm happy to answer any questions you have about analyzing markets or getting started. Most importantly, choose a market that aligns with your goals!

Best of luck!

Melissa, Investment Strategist at Rent to Retirement

Hey @Michael Klick

Using a HELOC to finance your first rental can be a great way to leverage equity in your primary residence without tapping into cash savings. The pros include lower interest rates, flexibility, and preserving cash for other opportunities. However, the risks include putting your home at stake, potential for variable interest rates, and short-term borrowing requirements. It's important to ensure you're comfortable with these risks and consult a financial advisor.

If you choose to use a HELOC, consider traditional financing or private loans as alternatives if you prefer not to risk your home.

As for your first rental, markets in the Midwest and Southeast offer great opportunities with turnkey properties that are tenant-ready and appreciating. Cash flow depends on the down payment, but using a HELOC could keep your cash reserves intact while you get started.

Make sure to build a reliable team (property managers, agents, etc.) to help you manage the property while working full-time. That is what our team at Rent to Retirement has been helping investors to do for a decade now with BP. I'm happy to answer any questions you have about analyzing markets or getting started. Most importantly, choose a market that aligns with your goals!

Wishing you much success,

Melissa, Investment Strategist at Rent to Retirement

Hello @Matt Powers

There are REI opportunities in different markets - markets in the Midwest and Southeast of the country are great - where not only are the purchase prices reasonable for most RE investors, but the homes are turnkey (new builds or completely rehabbed homes, tenant ready, systems 10 years of life remaining on them, property management teams in place) with appreciating home value AND appreciating rent with promising passive cash flow.

It really comes down to investing in a growing market, in a good neighborhood & building a great team to support you. It can be a lot of time and work if doing it on your own. It's helpful to work with a reputable team. That is what our team at Rent to Retirement has been helping investors to do for a decade now with BP. I'm happy to answer any questions you have about analyzing markets or getting started. Most importantly, choose a market that aligns with your goals!

Wishing you the best of success!

Melissa

Rent to Retirement Investment Strategist

 I just DMed you!

hey @Lucas DeAndrade!

What many investors do is that they will purchase a handful of REI props in one market and then move on to their next/different market to diversify their portfolio and for added asset protection.

I know Akron is a great submarket to invest in for precisely the reasons you listed. Adding a few more cash flowing props would certainly not hurt!

Wishing you much success!

Best,

Melissa Justice, Investment Strategist at Rent to Retirement