All Forum Posts by: Mike Paolucci

I am new to real estate investing and I am planning on buying a 100k house in the Cleveland area and renting out to section 8. I don't live in Ohio so I would be an out of state investor. The market around where I live is too expensive for me at the moment. Just want some advice on whether this is a good idea for a first-time investor or if I should take a different direction.

Hey everyone!

Hope you’re all doing well and making strides toward your financial goals!

I’m at the starting line of my real estate and financial freedom journey. I own a home in the San Fernando Valley and recently pulled a $200K HELOC for investment purposes. But to be honest, I’ve hit some roadblocks and lost momentum—procrastination, high interest rates, soaring home prices, and low inventory, blah, blah, blah.. lol—have all played a role.

I’ve been using Redfin, Zillow, Trulia, and Realtor.com to search, and I recently discovered BiggerPockets after attending a local realtor event. My goal with this post is to connect with experienced investors and professionals who can share insights, strategies, and opportunities to help me take the next step.

I’m currently looking at Southern California, Arizona, and Texas (Houston & Dallas) with a target of 8-10% ROI. But I’ll admit, I’m hesitant about out-of-state investing since I’m unfamiliar with rental markets in those areas. Being a dad of 3, a soccer coach, working a full-time job, and being a full-time student can make getting away a little challenging. For those of you in SoCal, you know how tough this market is!

I’d love to hear your thoughts—any advice, encouragement, or knowledge drops that can help me get the ball rolling would be greatly appreciated

Hello BP!

Hoping to get opinions from the community on how they would enter the market and start investing if they were in my shoes:

I have been saving and learning on BP for years, hoping to take my leap into real estate investing. Once COVID hit I waited and was thinking the market would become favorable and I would jump in. That didn’t happen and I’ve been waiting and watching since. I still don’t feel good about buying now with so much uncertainty and high interest rates, however I am at a point where I feel like I need to jump in. I have a lot of free time currently and can dedicate a lot of my time towards real estate.

I have saved around $200k and have family member/partner with roughly $100k. We are looking to partner 50/50, at least in the beginning - so starting with about $300k. I have vast experience in Hospitality and hoping to at some point acquire STR/MTR and apply those skills and knowledge . I am most focused on finding multi family. I'm living rent free currently with family and am ok to do so for foreseeable future.

I am wanting to acquire as much property that is smart for me to do so, with the capital I have on hand. I live in Vancouver WA/ Clark County area and am looking to buy in this area as well as including Portland, Beaverton, Gresham, Ridgefield, Battleground, Longview, Camas and overall surrounding areas. Also interested in Coastal such as Seaside, Rockaway, Canon Beach.

Curious your thoughts on best ways to enter this market and how best to utilize my current saved capital. Also any investors in this area would love to meet and learn from you. Appreciate those I have connected with on BP thus far and your help.

Interested in purchasing my first investment property. I am looking to cash flow a short term or long term rental, prefer with a propertymanager. I am located in NJ but open to out of state purchases. 

Hi everyone,

I am from the bay area and I am trying to figure out how to invest in mid west for cash flow, since bay area is way too expensive. Look forward to connecting with you!

If you could invest in any market across the country, where would it be and why? I’m always curious about the factors that make people decide on specific markets.

Hello BiggerPockets community! I’m currently on the hunt for my next real estate deal and have narrowed my focus to Columbus, Ohio. I’m working with an agent but am looking for assistance in sourcing potential deals, both on and off-market. My primary interest is in small multifamily properties (1-4 units) priced under $300,000. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

After hearing to lot of bp episodes on negative cash flow, I have a question.

I am currently living in my primary residence and planning to purchase an investment property, and obviously it is going to be a negative cashflow (bay area), but I am of the opinion that as long as the rent on the investment property is atleast going to be greater than my current primary residence mortgage it can still considered as positive cash flow investment.
The investment property is going to be in a much better location (for office commute, bay area proximity) than my primary residence. I might be totally wrong in my thinking, what am I missing? Is it still not recommended to invest in this negative cash flow property.

Hello BP ,

im in the process of closing on another 4unit multi family , this time in Columbus Ohio. I wanted to see if there were any recommendations on good management companies, and ones to avoid.

Did a bit of research on my own and came across R&L property management. They seemed good, and looks like they have prior experience managing the building I’m buying (based off the leases that were submitted to me) but way to expensive to what I’m use to … $137 - $184 per door (over 10%) and then $750 per door for the maintenance reserve. 

I also heard a guy named “ Donnie” who has been recommended to me .. the only issue is he dosent pay his owners until the end of the month .

Is this the norm for Columbus property managers , or am I missing something? 

I have several multi families on the west coast  ( one that I actually manage my self in California) and it’s just one maintenance reserve fee for all doors , and a % of the total rent usually 

( 8%-10%).   And Rents usually get paid around the 10th of each month.

All input is appreciated.