All Forum Posts by: Mike Rutherford

Congrats on finding that duplex opportunity near a SUNY University—sounds like a promising start! I saw your question about renting to college kids, and I’d be happy to share some thoughts. As the CFO of a developer, GC, and property management firm, I’ve seen plenty of investor experiences with student rentals, so I’ll weigh in on the good and bad. Then, if you’ll indulge me, I’d love to pitch an alternative idea that might align with your goals—especially since you’re 3+ hours away and planning to use a management company.

The Good: Renting to college students can be a goldmine for cash flow. Being walking distance to a SUNY campus puts you in prime position—demand is usually strong, especially in college towns where housing is at a premium. Students tend to sign year-long leases, and if you price it right (maybe even rent by the room), you could see solid returns. Turnover might even work in your favor with annual rent increases tied to the academic calendar. Plus, a duplex is a manageable size to test the waters.

The Bad: That said, it’s not all smooth sailing. College kids can be tough on properties—think wear and tear from parties, late-night shenanigans, or just inexperience with basic upkeep. You’re 3+ hours away, so relying on a management company is smart, but they’ll need to be on top of things to handle noise complaints, damage, or flaky rent payments (some students lean on parents who might not always pay on time). Vacancies can hit hard in the summer if you don’t lock in year-round tenants, and SUNY towns can be seasonal compared to broader rental markets. It’s doable, but it’s a hands-on niche even with a manager.

Excited to chat and help however I can!

Hi there,

Welcome to Bigger Pockets! It’s great to hear about your enthusiasm for commercial and large multifamily investing, especially after years of dreaming and months of serious groundwork. I’m excited to connect with someone like you who’s poised to close that first deal with a solid team of experts by your side. You’re clearly on the right track!

I see you’re targeting the Reno, Nevada area for your investments, and I get the appeal—its growth, proximity to tech hubs, and lower costs compared to California are hard to ignore. But I’d love to pitch an alternative: partnering with us to invest in rural markets in the southeast US. Hear me out—while Reno’s got potential, its tight geography and limited multifamily zoning could box you in. We offer a different kind of opportunity that might just fit your goals even better.

We develop, build, and manage all our projects from start to finish, focusing on rural markets across the southeast—think areas like rural Georgia, Alabama, or even Florida. These markets might not have Reno’s buzz, but they’ve got something special: affordability, steady rental demand, and room to grow without the fierce competition or high entry costs you’ll find in hotter urban spots. Plus, with us handling everything—land acquisition, construction, and property management—you can invest remotely without the headaches of juggling logistics from Nevada.

Why rural southeast with us? For one, the numbers work. Lower land and building costs mean higher returns on investment, and there’s a quiet but consistent need for quality housing as remote work and cost-of-living shifts draw people away from cities. We’re not just buying properties; we’re creating them—tailored multifamily projects that meet local demand and deliver cash flow from day one. You won’t need to hunt for deals in Reno’s constrained market or wrestle with its zoning quirks—we bring the opportunities to you, fully executed.

So, how about stepping away from Reno’s limits and joining us in the southeast’s rural frontier? You’d get the ease of a turnkey investment with the upside of an emerging market. What kind of deal are you chasing in Reno—something immediate or a longer-term play? Let me know, and I’ll show you how we can match or beat it down south.

Thrilled to have you here and excited to explore this journey together. Drop me a line—let’s make your first deal a standout!

Have you ever considered investing remotely? What's your budget?

 Have you considered a $1M price point? We are still achieving 1%.

We've been investing in the southeastern US rural markets. Currently working on a 12-unit, 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom. Rent is $895 and includes utilities. These rural areas don't attract a lot of new investment from the bigger guys so not a ton of competition.