All Forum Posts by: Omar Diaz

Hey BP Community,

I’m wondering if anyone here is in the Fort Polk/Alexandria/Lake Charles Area. I’m looking to find someone else with the same interests as I or is this just an untouched market?? 

@Emmanuel Baker

I know this post is a little old but have you had any luck with meetups? I’m in the Fort Polk Area and haven’t had any luck finding something that’s a little closer than New Orleans! 

@Jeff Byrne

Personally I keep my goals to myself or between others who share the same interests as I. The majority of people are in a fixed mindset so it does not matter if you show them or tell them anything, they are fixed with fear and comfortability. Of course it’s always nice to get support from friends and family but if they’re just going to be negative then screw them, they don’t need to know. Once you start making moves they’ll be interested in what you’re doing, or maybe the won’t. Stay positive and relentless!

@Adam Higginbotham

One thing that I've seen that resonates in BP is that you have to make the deal more often than finding the deal. Also, since you've used HMLs and have some deals under your belt, have you considered finding a private money lender? I've known HML to be far more detrimental to your bottom line as opposed to Private money lenders. For finding deals have you considered:

Sending letters to owners found on pre-foreclosure and eviction lists

Networking with local RE agents, mortgage lenders, CPAs, attorneys, etc.

Direct mail marketing

Driving/walking for dollars and getting to know the people in the community you want to invest in

@Garrett Gatton

You could always find a partner to compensate for areas you lack in (money, credit, possibly even track record, etc.) some profit is always better than no profit. As long as you show people you have the knowledge, grit and honest-to-god confidence, finding a partner is doable.

@Dan R. 

I’m thinking fix and flips works best here given the low rents. I appreciate the advice.

@Tami DuBose thank you so much for the reply, I definitely have some questions but still in the process of researching

Hey Dan,

Nice to see that someone around here is interested in RE investing.

Is your house in the Leesville/Deridder area? What do you plan on doing with it once you ETS? I’m thinking owner occupied investing is the best option for now but a little worried about renting it in this area, given the classes of properties that I’ve seen so far, unless I target married soldiers but even that could be a hit or miss for quality renters, then there’s the low BAH.

I wonder if Jeff Vincent could orchestrate a local meet up, I’m sure we’re not the only ones interested.

Thanks for the reply, I envy your job by the way!

Hey BP,

My name is Omar Diaz and I am a long time reader of BP. I am originally from Central Florida but currently serving as active duty in Fort Polk, LA. I have a 2 year old son and another baby boy on the way (October 27). I currently have no experience in investing in real estate but have held a real estate license in the past. I'm mainly interested in the BRRRR method for achieving financial freedom and more recently have been reading on house flipping. Not long ago I upgraded to a Pro membership because I'm tired of sitting on the sidelines watching everyone's story unfold before me so I am ready to take action and live a life of intent.

On another note, for those who have served and have been honored with orders to Fort Polk, you know there's not much here. I have been searching for a local REI Association but haven't had any luck. Is there anybody in Louisiana that know of any "unofficial" REI meet ups in the Leesville/Alexandria/Lake Charles area?

I’m thrilled to start my journey and connect with as much people as I can here on BP!