All Forum Posts by: Radley Estrada

Anthony Gayden - thank you for your input. Did you find the FHA process more drawn out vs. the conventional financing when it came to submitting offers, dealing with selling agents, and closing?

Jeffery Waicak - Yes, the properties I'm looking at are 4-plex or less. Chris M. - Haha super ninja status. Thanks for the edit! I noticed you're in Oakland. I'm actually visiting family in the Bay Area this weekend. Traffic here sucks, but, your guy's weather is awesome vs. Seattle!

Chris M. - Thank you for taking the time and posting your insight. You bring up some really good points. So let's say I'm interested in a duplex that has no HOA dues/by laws, and I have a prequalified FHA loan that is well above asking - Although the the Redfin ad says no FHA loans accepted, should I still ask my realtor to pursue the property anyway?

I've been looking into multifamily properties, and some of them accept FHA loans and some don't. I figured maybe it was due to the property's price. But interestingly enough, I saw a $400k duplex that takes FHA loans - and a $260k duplex that does not take FHA loans. My realtor states that the financing accepted is based on the property. Can someone explain how this works? Thanks in advance everyone!

@David Stone - Thanks for the advice! It'd be nice to network with people in the know in "real life".  I'll definitely search BP for local meet ups.

Thanks for the welcome guys!

@Steve Wynne - I'm looking at 3 or 4 plexes.  I'd love to find a gem in Seattle proper, but, it looks like slim pickings right now.  I'm open to searching north in the Lynnwood/South Everett area.  But if a good deal comes up in the southend, I'm not closed off to that idea.  As long as the numbers work.

@Alex Chin - I've seen/read a lot of your posts on here.  You've got a wealth of info!  BP is lucky to have you.  What a small world though - A good home flipper friend of mine actually recommended Tim Tran as well.  I wanted to see if other lawyers would be recommended, but, sounds like I'll see what Tim has to offer.

@Stanley Kong - Hey! I love Vancouver BC.  My girlfriend is from Vancouver and we visit often.  The Vancouver housing market is wild!  $1.5 million for "starter" homes!  So wild!  

I have actually checked out the BP calculator.  I'm still new to the features, but once I get the hang of everything, I'm looking to subscibe and become a BP pro member as well.  By the way, Cockney's Fish and Chips in Burnaby is awesome!  

I've been lurking on Bigger Pockets for a few weeks now, and I must say, this is an awesome community we have here.   I feel very fortunate to be a part of it.

I'm in the Seattle area, have read some good REI books, have listened to a ton of REI podcasts, have a real life mentor in the area guiding me through most of the process, and am ready to purchase my first multi-family live-in/rental. I have my mortgage pre-qualified, have a realtor, and have established my LLC.

If you're in the Puget Sound area, feel free to add me as a collegue, leave some advice going forward, or just say hi.  I want to build a network of good people in the pursuit of my real estate goals.  And on that path, hopefully help others achieve their goals too!

I also read a post stating finding a good lawyer and CPA - BEFORE - making my first purchase is recommended.

Please let me know if anyone has a lead on a good lawyer and CPA, in the Seattle area, that is savvy on multi-family rentals and REI? Also, so I know the ballpark rates, about how much does your lawyer and CPA charge for their services? I've done some searches on the BP forums, but, can't seem to find specific costs.

Thanks in advance everyone!