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All Forum Posts by: Michael Russell

Michael Russell has started 1 posts and replied 6 times.

here is what im thinking of buying. 8,151 sf. i plan on house hacking with the va n building a duplex on 1 side of the lot. Then ill build another duplex on the other side. seller is willing to do 25k down and payments of 700 a month for a total of 55k. this seems like a no brainer investment no

Land:$70,368
Improvement:$0
Market:$70,000
Appraised:$60,432





Quote from @Patrick Drury:

@Michael Russell
1) If you are a veteran, a VA loan would be a great option. The only thing to keep in mind is you need to owner-occupy the property if you buy the property with a VA loan.

2) If you plan on living in one unit self managing would be the best option. Zillow rental manager is good for putting things up for rent. Make sure to provide prospective tenants with the criteria of what you are looking for. To save time, I would do open house-style showings a couple of times a week. 

3) It's entirely up to you what you want to do with your life. No one can make you want to own 100's of doors and manage a large real estate portfolio. For some people they are good with 5 others just can't stop buying real estate. 








 Thank you for the words Pat-that's what i plan to do (step number 2). 

Quote from @Regina Blake:

Hi, come and check out Ohio my clients invest in real estate from all over the world. Please reach out with any questions. Thank you for your service! 


 thank you for reaching out. I look forward to do just that if a opportunity presents itself to me

Quote from @Hamp Lee III:

Welcome to BiggerPockets!

I'm active duty Air Force with four properties, three are VA loans. Hit me up if you want to know how I did it.

I wish you all the best.


Thats awesome I'm a Airforce vet myself. I have a lot in mind right next door to my sister's house. My plan is to house hack using the VA loan. Your help with any knowledge will be much appreciated

Quote from @Jill F.:

Hello Mike, I love duplexes especially groups of duplexes.  Our family company owns 21 duplexes in the greater Akron, OH area. Are you looking to invest in the Houston, TX area?


 yep i have a potential lot in mind. i wanna use my va 1 time construction loan to house hack my first property

Hey everyone! đź‘‹ Uncle Mike  here and I’ve proudly served our country as a military veteran. Recently, I had the opportunity to cash out a portion of my 401(k), leaving me with $20,000 burning a hole in my pocket. Now, I’m on a mission to turn that hard-earned money into something more—a solid investment that will grow my wealth over time.

My Investment Focus: Real Estate Duplex

  • Why a Duplex? Well, I’ve done my homework, and I’m convinced that real estate is where the magic happens. Specifically, I’ve got my eye on a duplex. Why? Because it’s a smart way to dip my toes into the real estate market without diving headfirst. Plus, there’s a strategic advantage: I can live in one unit and rent out the other. Tenant income helping pay down my mortgage? Yes, please! 🏡💰
  • Location Matters: I believe in the old adage: “Location, location, location.” I’m scouting neighborhoods with growth potential, good schools, and amenities. Any seasoned real estate investors out there with location tips? Share your wisdom!

Questions and Challenges:

  1. Financing: How do I finance this duplex? I've heard about VA loans for veterans. Can I use one for an investment property like this?
  2. Property Management: What’s the lowdown on managing a duplex? Any pitfalls to avoid? Tips for finding reliable tenants?
  3. Long-Term Vision: Sure, the duplex is step one, but what’s my long-term game plan? Should I consider more properties down the road?

Seeking Advice:

Fellow veterans, real estate gurus, and anyone with insights—please chime in! Share your experiences, dos and don’ts, and success stories. Let’s build a supportive community where we all thrive financially.