All Forum Posts by: Ralph Dorval

James,

I’d definitely recommend going with a duplex as your first investment property. It would give you the advantage of bringing in rental income from a tenant to help cover the mortgage, which is a great way to offset costs. That said, it’s also important to consider that during times when you don’t have a tenant in place, the financial responsibility falls back on you.

Ultimately, it all depends on how you want to approach it. Factors like your current financial situation, the market conditions at the time, and where you see the best opportunity for growth all play a role.

Best,

Raffi

Hi James,

Thank you for sharing your background and goals—it’s great to see your determination to build a diverse investment portfolio and dive into real estate. Regarding your strategy, house hacking can be an excellent way to begin, especially given your circumstances.

On the loan options:

FHA Loan: This could be a good fit, as it allows for a lower down payment (as little as 3.5%) and flexible credit requirements. However, keep in mind the mandatory mortgage insurance premiums, which could add to your costs.

Fannie Mae Loan: If your credit and financial profile are strong, this might be better for avoiding private mortgage insurance altogether, depending on your down payment. It also offers competitive interest rates but requires stricter qualifications. I’d recommend evaluating your savings and income to see which aligns best with your goals.

As for your exit strategy and portfolio growth, the BRRRR method could be ideal for scaling over time. Once you've built equity in your first property, you could leverage it for refinancing and use those funds to invest in your next property. Being methodical in your search for undervalued properties and maintaining a solid cash flow will ensure smoother expansion.

If you need help with narrowing down properties or diving deeper into loan strategies, feel free to reach out—I’m happy to assist as you begin your journey.

Wishing you success,

Raffi

Hi Ercilio,

Thank you for sharing your introduction. It's great to hear about your diverse interests and expertise. As a Real Estate Advisor based in Rhode Island, I'm excited about the opportunities for collaboration. I'd love to offer my assistance and local knowledge to support your real estate ventures in Rhode Island.

Feel free to reach out if you need any recommendations or if there's anything specific I can help with. I'll also send you my contact card so you have all my info.

Looking forward to connecting and working together!

Best regards,

Raffi Dorval

 Thanks Julio, excited to be here!

Absolutely, I'd be more than happy to connect.

Hello Everyone,

I’m excited to be part of this community! My name is Raffi Dorval, a proud University of Rhode Island graduate and a licensed Real Estate Advisor based in Rhode Island. With a background in finance and a dedication to personalized service, I strive to help clients navigate the complexities of the real estate market, whether it's buying, selling, or investing.

I'm here to connect with fellow professionals and investors, share insights, and offer my expertise to anyone who needs help with real estate-related matters. I'm very thankful for any referrals and appreciate the trust you place in me. Plus, as an added bonus to my clients, I'm a partner with Crate & Barrel, which provides them with a awesome discount on any purchases they make.

Looking forward to collaborating and learning from all of you! Feel free to message me and I can call you to see if I can be of service.

Best regards,

Raffi Dorval

Hello Everyone,

I’m excited to be part of this community! My name is Raffi Dorval, a proud University of Rhode Island graduate and a licensed Real Estate Advisor based in Rhode Island. With a background in finance and a dedication to personalized service, I strive to help clients navigate the complexities of the real estate market, whether it's buying, selling, or investing.

I'm here to connect with fellow professionals and investors, share insights, and offer my expertise to anyone who needs help with real estate-related matters. I'm very thankful for any referrals and appreciate the trust you place in me. Plus, as an added bonus to my clients, I'm a partner with Crate & Barrel, which provides them with a awesome discount on any purchases they make.

Looking forward to collaborating and learning from all of you! Feel free to message me and I can call you to see if I can be of service.

Best regards,

Raffi Dorval