All Forum Posts by: Ryan Friend

@Kenneth Garrett that makes sense. Seems like you would recommend finding decent neighborhoods with decent schools?

@Rikako W. yes the south side of Allentown has changed so much! I grew up there, really cool to see. The city has been putting so many resources into making Hamilton st grow. Center city is definitely in a positive transition… what are your thoughts on the West End such as Liberty St near Moravian? 

Awesome, thank you. Sounds like removing myself from the “would I live there myself?” equation is key. For those C/D areas, what are your minimums for income and credit?

What are some tools/websites/apps to analyze your market ? Been googling but data im finding is a few years old. 

Heres my dilemma…. I live in south whitehall, I want to get started investing in 3:2 single family homes. Goal is to get enough cash flow on properties to quit my job in the next few years. Trying to focus on a specific market in the Lehigh Valley and/or northampton county. I am torn between more affordable home prices in transitioning areas like downtown Allentown and southside Bethlehem which will cashflow but higher crime rates + not great schools. Versus places like Northampton, coplay, whitehall with higher home prices, way better schools, lower crime rates. I dont have a ton of capital, dont have enough equity on my home to take out HELOC, interest rate on my house is 2.5% no cash out refi. But have great credit. What would you do if you were me? Who would you have me talk to about my dilemma? Thank you!!

@Nicholas L. that is definitely helpful! Where i am still researching is 1. How to analyze the market around me 2. Determining rehab costs. 

Hello, 

New to REI. In the "gaining knowledge"phase. Focusing on long term buy and hold strategy. How do you, those who have multiple properties, analyze a property? I know that is a broad question. But i mean you have the money, you like the market. What methods do you use to determine "yes im buying this property."

Thank you both!! Are there any books you’d recommend me check out? There is so much information out there. 

Hello, 

I am new to REI. I am interested in the buy and hold strategy. I bought a home in 2020. I do not have the capital to buy another property myself. When raising capital, do you need enough $ for the entire price of the home + fees + rehab up front? Or do you just need capital for a 20% down payment and use your LLC to get a loan from the bank for the rest? Any input appreciated!

Ryan