All Forum Posts by: Robert Jeffords

@Ryan Reese, you should check out Mindjet MindManager. It's a great software that is good for brainstorming and organizational stuff. Certainly worth a checking into.

@Dan Russell, I've read that they do have a droid version, but the phone needs to have a gyroscope.

So I came across this killer app today and I'm hooked. Normally I don't get giddy about a silly app, but MagicPlan is really cool and I wanted to share. Using snapshots or drawn by hand it creates a floor plan complete with dimensions, doors, windows, room labels and sqft, and more useful info. Plus you can get the plans emailed to you in pdf, jpg, dxf, and html formats. Go scope it out!
[/url]https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/magicplan/id427424432?mt=8

Other useful apps are Zillow, Trulia, FB Investor, and RE Analyst. I also like the picture app Photosynth which takes a bunch of pictures and compiles it into one picture. It's great for large rooms or whatever when a single picture just won't cut the mustard. Please feel free to comment on other apps that you find to be pretty handy!

Thanks everyone for your insight. I think the JV approach probably be the best avenue in my current situation. Although I have a game plan, nothing beats experience and I suppose it'd be best to have a partner that could advice on certain issues when starting out. Actually my attorney is a flipper as well and also lends at 8% when splitting profits ($30k min). That's probably close to the best case I can get being a noob. Now to find that deal with $30k+ profit!

I'm a new real estate investor and to date I have assigned two contracts. I really want to take on a rehab of my own, but like many people, money is a major obstacle. I have a team of contractors lined up, my A-Z game plan, but I just straight up can't afford the interest-only monthly payments from lenders. I'm told that some private lenders will do a lump sum payment once the house is flipped, but pitching that deal structure to an investor when I don't have a portfolio of work AND have never worked with them before is a hard sell. Am I in fantasy land thinking that somebody out there will lend 100% of purchase & rehab costs and also be ok with full payment after closing? Even though I'm confident in my numbers and in my ethics, if I put myself in the investors shoes, it seems very risky. Has anybody ever started out in my position and found a lender who was ok with those terms? Do I need to get a grip on reality and rehab when I can afford the monthly payments?

Thanks in advance!

Well then I'm pumped to be in the 1%! I'm a new investor (June 2012) and like many noobs, finances peg me in the wholesaler category right now. After a couple of months of organizing and getting things in line, I started marketing my business aggressively in August. We closed our first deal in Octobert and currently have another property under contract that we're trying to wholesale to another investor. No, the paychecks are not as big as other avenues, but it's a great way to break into the business and build relationships with local investors. You can't "dabble" in wholesaling. Say you're going to do it and go do it! I actually just wrote a blog about Self Talk that could be related as to why so many new wholesalers die off. Check it out :)

Sean,

I'd say you are correct in that there are always motivated sellers out there. No matter what the cycle is at, there are always people who desperately need to relocate and sell fast, inherited properties that the family doesn't have time to deal with, divorces where both parties just want to erase the memory of the home they shared, people who want to liquidate a property to use that cash for something else, or any of the other possibilities that life throws at people. I think the key is stay positive, stay dedicated, and constantly educate yourself to stay ahead of the curve. Maintain a solid integrity and continue driving forward and you will be successful. Go get'em!

Welcome Keisha! I'm sure you'll find BP to be an excellent source of information and a great way to network with real estate professionals. If you happen to have a client who is relocating to the western New York area, I'd be more than happy to assist.

Best of luck!

Thanks fellas!

Thanks Brandon! I'm thrilled to be a part of a fantastic community with excellent resources and helpful members. My goal is to be an active member and truly be embedded in this network.

Hello BP Community! My name is Robert Jeffords and I'm a fairly new member to Bigger Pockets. My business partner and I created Northstar Property Solutions , LLC earlier in 2012 and are tackling the real estate business full speed. We're servicing Erie & Niagara county and our focus right now is wholesaling and rehabbing. As you all know, networking is a key pillar of this business and we are always looking to meet new investors and expand our network. So if you're a real estate professional in the Western New York area, be sure to reach out to us. Let's make money together! Get out there and CRUSH IT!