All Forum Posts by: Ricardo Hidalgo

Hi everyone! My name is Monty, and I’m based in Freeport, Florida. I’m looking to invest in nearby areas, focusing on fix-and-flip projects and new ground-up construction. With 30 years of residential construction experience and having built several homes in the past few years, I bring a strong foundation in project execution and quality craftsmanship.

Right now, I’m seeking lenders to help me unlock home equity for property acquisitions and to expand my portfolio. I’m also interested in connecting with local investors, real estate agents, and lenders who are open to collaborating on new opportunities. Looking forward to building a strong network and creating win-win partnerships!

4o

Hi BiggerPockets Community,

I'm currently living in Italy but will be moving to Florida soon, specifically to the Destin area. I'm planning to buy my first property there using my VA home loan and would love to connect with local investors who are familiar with the market. My goal is to house hack to help cover my mortgage and possibly generate some extra income.

I’m looking for advice on:

1. The Destin Market

• What should I know about buying property in Destin?

• Any tips for maximizing house hacking opportunities in this area?

2. Lenders and Financing

• Can anyone recommend lenders in Destin who are familiar with VA loans and can work well with first-time buyers?

I’m excited to start my real estate journey and want to make a smart, strategic move with this first property. Any insights, connections, or resources from experienced investors would be incredibly helpful!

Thanks in advance,

Keyshawn

I am exploring this area and have heard some noise regarding the further limitations on beach access points along the coast, creating some havoc for str owners. Can anyone elaborate or share your experiences on this? Thank you!

Contemplating buying a place near Destin. Thinking of Freeport, niceville, crestview, etc.

I like Freeport overall and naturally I’m looking at rentals rates vs the cost of townhomes and single family homes. I’m noticing that rent rates are surprisingly high compared to the somewhat competitive and affordable housing pricing.

Single-family homes, some new construction are going for mid 300’s and rent is usually $2500 or higher.

Some townhomes are like $250,000 and rent is still $2000+.

Where I’m from, a $400,000 house would probably rent for about $2000 so I was pleasantly surprised to see how much more rent you can get per dollar, is this pretty standard or am I missing something about Freeport?

Good day everyone, 

I am interested in purchasing either a condo or a townhouse for short-term rental. I am also open to a longer rental as long as I could use this place for 1-2 months as a second home (summer or winter break). Budget at or under 400K. HOA and insurance costs as low as possible.
Can you suggest a few good cities in the FL with lower vacancy rates and close to nature/activities?

I am open to both the Gulf side or Atlantic/east side of south Florida.

I plan to travel to FL early next month and want to have some idea of good cities/regions to start with. Your advice will be beneficial.

Regards

Suhaib

Howdy from Cancun! I’m here at the BiggerPockets Conference 2024! Hit me up if you want to connect! #bpcon2024

I’m Bryce H. Chapman. I’m wrapping up a fix-and-flip project going on the market this month in Cleveland, Ohio, and I own three duplexes in Rochester, NY, all long-term rentals. Though I’m based in Austin, TX, I’m actively looking to grow and build partnerships in these cities— from reliable handypeople to lenders and agents. I’m also open to opportunities in Austin and throughout Texas. I’m exploring mid-term rentals and aiming to move into apartment complexes.

In addition, I have a one-acre lot in Destin, Florida, that I’d love to take further steps with. My goal is to acquire 25-30 properties in the coming years (or sooner) and scale from there. I’m open to different approaches to reach this goal, whether through partnerships or creative strategies.

I’d also like to connect with someone — CPA— who understands holdings/LLCs, tax strategies, and legal protection, as we need support in both legal and tax planning.

Let’s chat if you’re interested in partnering or can offer insight in these areas!

Curious what everyone here has been averaging on STRs in the Destin/Ft Walton area? 

Some of the profits and losses I’ve been seeing in certain properties have been significantly lower than Airdna projects, with only a handful being in the projection range, and maybe one or two exceeding. 

So what’s been your average annual gross for a 2/2 beachside? 

I think prices of properties are still high.  Would it be cheaper to build?  Does anyone know the going rate for price/sq ft to construct a beach house?

Looking to buy a property in Fort Walton Beach. I’m in the military, and will be moving again in about 15 months. Currently renting, but was really debating buying a beach front condo in Okaloosa island to live in for the remainder of my time here, but then hoping to rent it out once I leave. 

Does anyone have any experience buying short term rentals in that area? Any recommendations? Just currently exploring what would give me the best bang for my buck. Seems like okaloosa is very busy and lucrative during summer, but kind of a dead town in the winter.