All Forum Posts by: Stephanie Walker

I love this question! My first investment property was and is as successful as I thought it would be, thankfully. I believe my clients are happy with their first investments (purchased with me and managed by me) as well. But I have seen and heard some really funky stories so I’m here to see what experiences others may have had. 

Good luck with your first investment property!

Hey Johnathon! About 90% of the owners in my current portfolio are out of state. I’m a broker/owner of both a general brokerage firm and property management firm.
My advice is to find an agent that is thoroughly invested in you, as a client and as a person, and understands your goals. Look for someone who is an investor themselves. Have your “buy box” ready. Know what you’re looking for. Work with both your PM and Agent to make sure the numbers and property aligns with your goals. 
Good luck!!

As others have recommended, I would suggest looking at starting with buying a primary home with your VA loan - whether that be a single family home or a multi family.

My family is from the Philippines so I wanted to drop in and say hi!

The only experience I’ve had in the Philippines in any extent was with my grandfather’s condo in Makati. We have struggled for years deciding whether to sell or hold because the tax implication to sell is very costly. I’m sure you know more than I do in that regard!

I’m in the Charlotte NC area. I’d love to connect with a fellow Filipino investor!

I've come across a few. What is your budget? Are you looking to flip, LTR, MTR? What are your goals with the property?

I manage MTRs and have never been overly concerned with our guests having guests. As long as they aren't staying every night and there are no parties or other concerning activities. We don't advertise that we're looking for a certain criteria guest - I think that opens up too much liability for discrimination. However, you can word your listing to cater to that audience if that's what you're looking for. For example, if you're looking for travel nurses, you'd note that your listing has blackout curtains, a white noise machine and near hospitals (those are important details for them).

It's great that you already purchased your first investment and have plans in mind for the future. 28269 is a good area code for MTR right now. I manage over 50 MTRs in the Charlotte market. However, things can change pretty drastically in the next two years. I'd bet that you'll be able to refinance within those two years and your returns will look better. At that point, you could decide which strategy makes the most sense. But until then, its just a guessing game! I imagine you already did this - but if not - review your CC&Rs to confirm that MTR/STR is allowable in your neighborhood. Again, this could change in the next two years but just something to be mindful of!

Hey Earl, I manage MTRs (most of them in NC/SC but a handful elsewhere). We work with both of those companies and others like them all the time. Feel free to ask any questions you have regarding them here or message me privately.

Our Charlotte NC properties never really catered to travel nurses. We get a ton of contractors, relocating families and insurance claimants. MTR is still strong in most areas but is certainly becoming more competitive as investors become more and more aware of MTR.

I think it depends on the management company. We manage MTR properties throughout NC and SC. I don't charge a lease out fee or any upfront fees. However, there are many that do. I would shop around and make sure the company you choose specializes in MTR.