All Forum Posts by: Shaye Steele

Hi all, 

I found BiggerPockets years ago around 5 years ago or so, but was still very young & new to the world of investments and real estate. Fast forward through some vital life experience, I’m back on BP with a desire to jump back into my goal of having a cash-flowing rental portfolio that can help support me. My goals are to learn from everyone here on a daily basis, improve my business/referral network (I’m a realtor), connect with other members in my area who may want to partner or benefit from each other’s skill sets, & ultimately become one of the many successful investors that I’ve read about. I hope to connect with you all soon! Grateful for this platform and community. 

I am a Realtor & aspiring investor. I have heard others say they wish they started in commercial. I want to be able to cash flow at a commercial level one day, but residential seemed like the clearer learning path. Any tips or opinions on residential vs commercial? From both an investing side and for working as an agent? Thank you!

I have been sinking $ into renting a place the last 5 years in Tampa Bay, FL. Finally got promoted enough to look for my 1st primary residence. Considering taking a 2nd mortgage to do my 1st rental at the same time, but uncertain about biting off too much at once. The numbers look good as long as I can rely on my current income, & I’ve wanted to own a rental for some time. However, I don’t want to get too far underwater as a beginner with little to no RE investing experience, even tho I know experienced professionals & friends that I could lean on. Has anyone gotten a rental & residence at the same time, &

how did you fare? What issues did you run into that you weren’t expecting? Or issues you were able to avoid? Rent prices here are just as much as a mortgage, & home prices are quickly shutting out beginner middle class investors like myself. I’m also unmarried so I do not have the benefit of combined income. Not sure whether to take a risk on getting 2 properties (1 of which should pay for itself), or just start off with a primary residence only, until I gain more knowledge/experience & capital. All thoughts appreciated!!

@Bruce Lynn Thanks for the input!

I’m a new agent & want to get signs & business cards so I can start doing open houses. However I have not been able to find laws/rules about if there are sign/card requirements outside of having the broker name & registered last name of agent. Want to make sure I’m doing things right however other agents seem to think I am too worried about this. I’m probably looking in the wrong places for this info since I haven’t been able to find it, can anyone point me in the right direction? Thanks!!

@Charlie Cameron I will definitely have to check out the meetup!

And thank you everyone else!

@Edgar Rodriguez I have found a few brokerages where I will have the availability of my broker &/or manager to help me out almost any time that I have questions. Is this the kind of mentorship you are talking about or is there more that I should be looking for? Some places offer mentorship programs for a percent of your commission, but I’m less inclined toward that type of relationship. Thoughts?

@Russell Holmes Thanks so much for your input!

Hello, I’m in the Tampa Bay Florida area, just passed the Florida real estate exam & wanted to know if anyone would share their experiences with picking a brokerage, things you wish you knew, things to look for etc and things to avoid? Brokerage recommendations? Would appreciate your knowledge and perspective.