All Forum Posts by: Craig R.

I'm currently in Afghanistan, but I'll be in Columbus at the end of the year. I'll be investing in real estate full time until grad school starts, so I'll have plenty of time to network with other investors or possibly partner up on some deals. I'm new to the game, but excited to get started. I'll be lurking in the shadows on these boards for the next few months, but I hope to post more actively once I get on the ground and pick up my first few rentals.

Old thread, but here's some new information:

(from irs.gov) "Members of the military and certain other federal employees serving outside the U.S. have an extra year to buy a principal residence in the U.S. and qualify for the credit. Thus, an eligible taxpayer must buy, or enter into a binding contract to buy, a principal residence on or before April 30, 2011. If a binding contract is entered into by that date, the taxpayer has until June 30, 2011, to close on the purchase. Members of the uniformed services, members of the Foreign Service and employees of the intelligence community are eligible for this special rule. It applies to any individual (and, if married, the individual’s spouse) who serves on qualified official extended duty service outside of the United States for at least 90 days during the period beginning after Dec. 31, 2008, and ending before May 1, 2010."

Of note, the original thread was started in 2009, but the information I've posted relates to this year and in to 2011. While not many may qualify under this extension, I figured it was info worth knowing. Ironically, I found this because I fit the criteria, and I'll be taking advantage of this when I buy my first home (which will be my primary residence) in early 2011.

I read that too, Joe. In fact, that's what peaked my interest. The former site near the arena district already had high property values, plus the residential properties in that area are few and far between. Out west near the old Delphi plant is a much more run-down, industrial area, prime for development and growth.

I just read that the Ohio Senate has approved a bill allowing one 24-hour, Las Vegas-style casino each in Toledo, Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati. My area of interest is Columbus, and in that city it looks like the proposed casino will be open in late 2012. With that in mind, what would be a good REI strategy? In the quick research I've done online, it seems property values within a 5-mile radius of new casinos appreciate. The location of the Columbus site has already been approved, so I'm wondering if in light of this news, it would prurient to look for opportunities there.

Does anyone here have any experience with investments near new casino development sites? I'm guessing the metrics would be much different in Ohio rather than Vegas. Thanks in advice for any input.

I may miss this opportunity due to being overseas until later this year, so if anyone else wants to take advantage, have at it!

Thanks for the welcome! These forums are great. I've found answers to most of my questions already, and it looks like there've been plenty of other newbies in my shoes. Unfortunately, most seem to drop off after only a few weeks, but I'm in no hurry to go anywhere.

I like going back and looking at some of the early posts of some of our 1000+ post members, and it's nice to see that even the gurus had to start somewhere.

Hello, BP!

My name is Staff Sergeant Craig Rader, and I'm currently in the Army on a one-year tour in Afghanistan. I've spent the bulk of my downtime over here reading up on REI, and whenever I can get internet access I read through as much of these forums as I can. It's been awhile, so I figured I'd finally introduce myself and say thanks to all the great posters here.

My military contract ends shortly after I get back to the States, and my plan is to invest in some rentals in the Columbus, OH area. From what I've seen, financing seems to be one of the biggest obstacles for new investors. Fortunately, I've been able to set aside a large amount of additional income over the past two years while I've prepared for this. My wife also received her real estate license this past year as well. I'll be working on my MBA while pursuing REI, but I'll have about 6 months to get settled and re-familiarize myself with the area before school starts.

I noticed there are a few other posters on these forums from central Ohio, but I'm not sure how active they still are. Regardless, wherever you're from, I welcome your experience and insight.