All Forum Posts by: Merlina Rodas

Hi Lucero, congratulations on your daughter's graduation! 

I graduated high school two years ago and was in your daughter's position, my parents are real estate investors. I know many people might disagree, but not going to college was the best thing I could have done for myself. I do keep a day job for support for now, but I find myself needing it less and less. With my parents' guidance I am learning more about the industry and at a more advanced level than some of my acquaintances who are STILL in school, through experience. Through watching my parents I am making progress. If she's a hard worker, just by following your footsteps and your husband's footsteps, she will learn what she need to learn!

Best of luck

Merlina :)

Thanks everyone for the feedback,  I realize now that I may have asked the wrong question. Of course, I understand that there is always a risk when investing, I guess what I really wanted to know was if anyone had any tips for a beginner to limit my losses. 

I'll definitely get started on a business plan, and I'll keep updating my progress on BP..

Hey Kimberly, definitely good job detecting all these red flags. It can definitely be difficult telling someone no, but under these conditions it was probably for the best.. Good luck finding other tenants!

Hi everyone!

So, basically, I'm still learning about real estate and investing, and I have some money saved up to start, but I'm a bit hesitant when it comes to spending it. I reckon it's mainly because I feel insecure about how much I know in regards to investing. I feel as though if I start now, I'll make mistakes or lose my money. 

Any suggestions? 

Hey Cory, I want to start off by saying that even though you aren't completely well off (money wise) you seem to have a great mindset, that's admirable. I am in a similar situation and it's kind of bringing me down. I've been working hard, saving money and still I don't have enough to invest in the types of properties I want to invest in. 

I'd say continue to communicate with people on BP, keep doing research, learning and working hard until you either find a partner to invest with you or you save enough to finally get a downpayment in (of course with some savings left over for emergencies and future payments). Good luck! 

Hey Camron, speaking from past experience, I think that these negative comments and people shutting you down is just part of life. There will always be a small group of people who tell you that you shouldn't do this or shouldn't do that for one reason or another.

It could be that for these people, it's true- that real estate is not a good way to make money, or it's too difficult. But it may be because they don't know what they're doing or they're simply not doing it the right way. BUT, there are so many people who will encourage you and tell you that real estate did work for them, make them millions, and even though it's hard work, it's worth it. 

So good luck in the future, don't let anyone bring you down 

One more thing, you should definitely search for other investors in your area who might be able to help you out with location.. Here's one user who mentions having invested in Montgomery, you might want to try connecting with him  https://www.biggerpockets.com/users/AustinR0

Hi Robert, welcome to BP! 

I'm not sure about any areas to invest in PA but to answer your other questions, it mainly depends on what approach you want to take when investing. Since you have a debt, it might be difficult to get a loan or any financing, if you find yourself needing either. If you have the money and are simply looking to invest that, it might help you out, it might not. 

If you decide to buy a property and flip it, you could be looking at a nice form of income that could help you out. If you're looking to purchase a rental, it would be good in the long term but will probably negatively affect you financially at the moment and with paying your debt.

Some people can be so mean, just taking advantage when you were only trying to help.. I hope you learned your lesson though, compassion doesn't pay your bills! I think your story holds a great lesson not only about not letting randomers in for free, but also to KNOW THE LAW. As someone who has been unfortunately involved in two lawsuits, it's a great advantage to know the law as well as your rights as a property owner. I'm sorry about all the damage you took :(

Hi Joel, happy new year and welcome to BP! It's always great to have new members join and share their stories as well as create an even bigger community.. I'm fairly new here myself and I've found BP to the a great tool not only for learning but also for meeting others who are interested in the same business.

Best of luck!