All Forum Posts by: Mike Silva

Hi all! I ended up closing on a duplex house this week with the intent to rehab the whole place. This is my first purchase, where my intent was to install recessed lighting all throughout the house. Soon after purchasing the home, I found the ceilings were made of horse hair plaster. I didn't know at the time of purchase, but it can be a deal breaker (from what I've been told by several contractors) on putting up recessed lighting. I was told the ceiling could fall down while drilling the holes. I am looking for options to some how get recessed lighting up regardless of this feat. For instance - I am looking to see if anyone has experience with installing recessed lighting into a horse hair plaster ceiling and if anyone could offer advice on the process I should take when doing so? 

I was considering strapping and drywalling the ceiling and installing the new recessed lighting there, but it would be a good chunk of money I am not sure I would get back in the investment. Any thoughts or suggestions are welcome here!

Hello!
I am looking for some advice on house hacking in the state of NH. I have been looking since December and have noticed the multifamily (specifically duplexes) prices increasing past the 600k mark. I am seeing half the properties cash flow and half don't. After listening to more Bigger Pockets podcasts, I as starting to learn there is more to this than the cash flows. 
So my question is to all the experienced investors out there: 

What metrics other than a Positive Cash Flow and Net Worth Return should I be looking for when purchasing a multifamily to house hack? 

That's great to hear. The low vacancy rate for New Hampshire is something I noticed that stood out. Are you fixing everything yourself? Or contracting it out? I think what gets me anxious is the unexpected larger scale repairs. I want to learn these skills, but I haven't had much hands on experience there.

Hi Patrick, I have not made any investments here yet, but I plan to. I see you have an investment yourself. How's that going?

Hi Everyone!

I am new here to Bigger Pockets and wanted to take the time to introduce myself! I am a full time Systems Engineer living in New Hampshire. After 5 years in the Defense industry, I have realized I value my time more than anything else. I have always had a passion for personal financing and building wealth which I feel helped dampen the learning curve into the real estate industry. Initially, I never really considered real estate to be a viable investment option for me until I was listening to my podcast "Inspire to Fire" where I heard Craig @thefiguy go through his story on house hacking. His story really got my endorphins flowing where shortly after I bought and read his book. Now here I am on the Bigger Pockets forum and starting my real estate journey!

I want to give Craig a special thanks for indirectly motivating me and helping me see this opportunity to escape the rat race!