All Forum Posts by: Rodrigo Serzedello

Local reator in San Diego! Glad to connect!

Hey! First off—thanks for sharing all the details. This definitely sounds like one of those once-in-a-lifetime opportunities that’s worth digging into, even if it comes with some hair on it.   You’re looking at a high-upside property with a strong emotional and strategic fit, which is rare in San Diego. That said, you’re smart to pause and explore every angle before jumping in. Here are some thoughts based on what you shared:   1. Is it worth pursuing?   Yes—but cautiously. The unpermitted structures and family trust drama are real risks, but if you can get it for $400K–$450K, that’s a huge delta below market comps. Just understand that: • Unpermitted work = resale limitations, insurance hurdles, and no bank financing. • The trust situation = title needs to be crystal clear, so no one contests it later.   If the title can be cleaned up and you’re okay living in a fixer, it might just be worth the effort.   ⸻   2. Financing Options   Given the condition and title risks: • Seller Financing could be your golden ticket. Since the seller is someone you know, it might be easier to negotiate low monthly payments and give you time to clean things up. • HELOC on your primary (if you have room) could be a bridge to secure the deal. • Private money might be an option—some lenders are more flexible than hard money outfits and may allow owner occupancy. • Partnership—bring in someone who has cash and structure a joint venture while you take on the renovation + value creation.   ⸻   3. Real Estate Attorney?   100% yes. You’ll want someone to: • Review the trust language and confirm the legal authority of the grandson to sell. • Check for liens, title issues, or other claims from the other heirs. • Confirm your ability to eventually permit or legalize parts of the property.   ⸻   4. Other Considerations: • Cost to legalize or tear down unpermitted structures can be high. Talk to a GC or architect familiar with East County SD zoning to get a ballpark. • Tenant rights—even if they’re in sheds or low-rent areas, CA is strict about eviction. Factor that into your timeline. • Insurance—some carriers may deny coverage due to unpermitted units, so have a backup plan.   ⸻   If you’d like, I’m a local agent here in SD and happy to help you analyze comps, run some numbers, or even talk to your wife’s friend in a casual way to structure something fair that works for both sides. No pressure—just here to help however I can.   This could be a legacy play for your family, just needs to be done smart. You’ve got the right mindset—now it’s just about surrounding yourself with the right info and people.   Let me know if you’d like to connect!

Hey! I’m a local agent here in San Diego and have seen Master Lease Options (MLOs) used smartly—especially when capital is tight.   If the units are already at fair market rent, your cash flow will depend on how creatively you structure the deal. Here’s a simplified approach: • Negotiate slightly below-market rent (since you’re handling management and risk). • Add value—furnished mid-term rentals (like for traveling nurses) can boost returns. • Include rent credits and a locked-in purchase price over 3–5 years. • Option fee can be small, applied toward the purchase. • Make sure you get subleasing rights so you can actually cash flow.   Pitch it as a win for the seller: steady income, no headaches, and a future sale lined up. Let me know if you want help structuring the offer—I’d be happy to walk you through it.

Hello Justin!

Im a local RE agent in San Diego, and I think I can help you 

Hello @Breanna Green !

You asked some great questions, and I’d be happy to share my perspective on a few of them. I’m an out-of-state real estate investor focused on single-family homes and duplexes in the Midwest, and I’m also a licensed local agent here in San Diego. In addition, I serve as a mentor on a website (that I cannot post here because of the policies), where I help others navigate and strategize their real estate journeys.

Do I have all the answers? Maybe not—but I’m fortunate to be part of a strong network here in San Diego. Through my connections with Keller Williams, as well as trusted vendors, lenders, contractors, and wholesalers, I can help point you in the right direction and ensure you’re supported with the right people and information.

If you’re open to it, I’d be happy to meet in person this May at my office in Del Mar. We can talk through your goals and what you’re hoping to accomplish in the San Diego market. From there, we can explore strategies and run numbers on properties that align with your objectives.

Feel free to DM me if you’d like to connect.

Cheers!

hey folks! Local Real Estate Agent (Keller Willians) from SD / Delmar.
We could connect if you're interested in off market houses deals, just need to understand what you guys are looking for... LMK if you're interested in a quick call...
Cheers!

Hello Kishan! I'm a local realtor from San Diego, happy to connect with you! What's your plans for San Diego, would you like to invest here as well?

If you don't know something, ChatGPT will always know! :) Of course, check the sources but, it's a great start!

I'd look into www.investorscoach.com !

I’m a realtor in SD, and you’re right! Market is definitely picking up!

Now… with the expectation of lowering rates soon, it’s going to get even better.