All Forum Posts by: Omar Diaz

Hey BP, so my mother is looking into buying plots of land to develop some residential property. She has found a piece of land where next door had sinkhole activity back in 2011.

I would imagine with sinkhole activity so close it could pose an issue when trying to sell the property once finished or there might even be a chance that the land my mother is looking at might have a sinkhole later on down the road.

My question is, would you stay away from this property?

@Chris Coleman

This helps a lot, thank you! I would imagine they have government sites that can access this information? Or do you find sites like neighborhood scout to be accurate/simplified? 

@Chris Coleman

Hey BP,

I’m getting out of the Army once this contract ends in 2 years and haven’t decided where I want to settle. I’m looking for markets with potential population and housing growth.

How do you go about studying a market in the first place? What are some metrics/key statistics that should tell you good/bad things about a market, i.e. population growth = job growth = more housing, etc.

Any general rule of thumbs when looking at this information?

I know of city-data and neighborhood scout but are there other resources that I could be looking over? Preferably not pay-for-use services.

Thanks in advance for any advice and reading material recommendations.

@Chase A.

If you haven’t read it already, a good book to read is 7 figures in 7 years to get the juices flowing. Definitely opened my eyes.

@Reuben Gathright

I’m a little late on this post but thank you so much for the information you’ve given me! 

@Mark Huneycutt

Sending you a Message now

@Mark Huneycutt

Hey man, I’m in Fort Polk and have tried calling out to the Fort Polk/Deridder/Leesville area but have had little to no luck with replies here on BP (excluding two posts I’ve made) so excuse the long reply!

I have been rummaging through Realtor.com, Zillow, an agent, Craigslist, word of mouth, etc. and haven’t found any multi-families. I also haven’t found a very good agent yet, I’ve heard some pretty outlandish property/rental values from these guys here, hoping I haven’t done my research I’m guessing. There are deals to be had of course, lots of potential for fix and flips and BRRRRs but with little profit margins. This area is very behind so add value would have to be minimum because the comps near by aren’t very good. From what I’ve seen people have literally slapped paint on the walls and called it a day with the exception of a few properties.

Either properties are priced right or above 2-3k market value and are in alright shape and in B - C class neighborhoods or they are priced $200k+, very little in between. I’ve also noticed a lot of 3 beds 1 bath which wouldn’t be very pleasant while house hacking. I’m sure house hacking would work perfect in the expensive areas but my only concerns would be finding the right price and finding someone who would pay enough rent for a decent cashflow once you PCS/ETS out of this place.

I will tell you I am looking in areas where rental values are under current BAH and 30 minutes away from base so I’m sure that has something to do with what I’m finding. These are just my thoughts on the area so far, I’m certain when you look around you’ll formulate different ideas and might see something I’m not seeing! If you do I am open to suggestions and will do the same for you if you’d like! 

Good luck brother!

@Reuben Gathright

Thanks for the reply, I figured as much! I'm looking for any kind of REI meet ups in the area to attend but haven't found anyone around here who hold the same interests as I. My main interests in real estate are in buy and hold investing. Any direction you point me in is much appreciated!

@Brandon Drayton

Have you considered running an analysis on an ideal property? That’s how I’ve come to my criteria.

@Jacob Merritt

There is no such thing as too much ambition! Take the reigns of your life and do what you WANT to do. Especially now while you’re young and still developing opinions and ideas. At the end of the day it’s your decision, don’t let indecisiveness prevent you from taking action in your life but be certain that you’re happy with your decision. Good luck brother!