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All Forum Posts by: Stephanie Lopez

Stephanie Lopez has started 5 posts and replied 31 times.

Post: Advice for a Newbie

Stephanie LopezPosted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Orange County, CA
  • Posts 32
  • Votes 20
Quote from @Jonathan Greene:

Craigslist wasn't safe 20 years ago and it still isn't safe. I wouldn't trust anything real estate-related on Craigslist and would not meet anyone for coffee. If you wouldn't go on a Craiglist date, don't go on a Craiglist real estate appointment. There are SO many better ways.


 I definitely would not go on a Craigslist date! Fair point! 

Post: Advice for a Newbie

Stephanie LopezPosted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Orange County, CA
  • Posts 32
  • Votes 20
Quote from @Mark Munson:

Hi @Stephanie Lopez

Wholesalers run campaigns called "Agent Outreach" to get access to your sphere of influence and, ultimately, any pocket listings/distressed properties you may have. Everyone has cash buyers, you can buy the data and skip trace it and call cash buyers all day long. He needs properties and connecting with agents is a very low cost way to get properties, as Realtors are trusted sources for motivated sellers and naturally get deals brought to them. So if he can form a relationship with you, it may pay off when you get a distressed property that isn't suitable for a traditional sale, you'll call him. This is neither good nor bad; and many times can be profitable if they are a legitimate wholesaler with a real track record of wholesaling. However, the bar to be a wholesaler can be hurdled by an ant, so tread lightly and certainly don't think he has the best interest for your clients looking to sell their homes at heart. 


 Thank you for the insight! I will keep this in mind, much appreciated

Post: Advice for a Newbie

Stephanie LopezPosted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Orange County, CA
  • Posts 32
  • Votes 20
Quote from @Nicholas L.:

@Stephanie Lopez

hi, happy to help but not sure what to say here. just to be blunt, you're asking random people on the Internet... if you should meet another random person that you found on the Internet.  i cannot vouch for Felipe either way as i do not know him nor the market.

are you going to meetups?  That's a great way to meet people in real estate.  if you meet someone in person that 5 other people you know have vouched for that is pretty solid.

what are your goals?


 Great point! I went to a meetup last night and made some connections. I'll stick to that and avoid Craigslist. My short-term goal right now is to become a resource for investors looking for properties in my area. I want to build some solid partnerships and learn as much as I can by doing and not just reading forums. Eventually long term I would like to own short-term rentals in my area  

Post: Advice for a Newbie

Stephanie LopezPosted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Orange County, CA
  • Posts 32
  • Votes 20

Hello I am new to the investing industry and have been reading/listening to podcast and reading forums. I went on Craigslist today and found the post attached. I decided to reach out. He responded with

“Hello this is Felipe wholesaler in Orange County
Nice to hear from you hope your event went well

I have motivated cash buyers
That love places in distress or properties that aren’t listed in the market”

I’m wondering how legit this is if he is a wholesaler and truly has buyers he is working with. Should I meet this person over coffee? Any advice would be appreciated..before I meet a stranger from Craigslist 

Post: Investors in California

Stephanie LopezPosted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Orange County, CA
  • Posts 32
  • Votes 20

Hi BP Fam!

I am just starting in the investment world but I have been a Real Estate agent for over 3 years. I focus on the OC region, Inland Empire, and LA County. My expertise in market research, inspections of homes/neighborhoods, and open communication has always set me apart from other realtors. I'm looking to partner with investors interested in investing in these regions! I am happy to send market reports, analyze neighborhoods, and show properties. I also have access to off-market properties and expired listings. I am attending my first meet-up today and hoping to connect with more local investors! Wish me luck! Message me if you would like to connect :)

Post: I’m New Here

Stephanie LopezPosted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Orange County, CA
  • Posts 32
  • Votes 20
Quote from @Arvand Sabetian:

Hi Stephanie, welcome! 


 Thank you!

Post: I’m New Here

Stephanie LopezPosted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Orange County, CA
  • Posts 32
  • Votes 20
Quote from @Joe Homs:

@Stephanie Lopez again I would start out at the local meetup this month.  There are plenty of things you can do in California with or without money.  Learn how to wholesale properties, take homes subject-to, use your license to help others, etc.

Good Investing...


 Hey Joe! I took your advise and joined an event for next Monday in Irvine. I am looking forward to it!

Post: Investing In California ?

Stephanie LopezPosted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Orange County, CA
  • Posts 32
  • Votes 20
Quote from @River Sava:

Hey Stephanie - If you're open to STRs, they tend to perform well in Orange County. You could even consider an AirBnBRRRR strategy, which combines short-term rentals with the BRRRR method. Let me know if you're interested—I can send over some more info about the market drivers out there


 Thank you River-love the name! Yes I am interested ! I will send you a message with my email and information

Post: Investing In California ?

Stephanie LopezPosted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Orange County, CA
  • Posts 32
  • Votes 20
Quote from @Aristotle Kumpis:
Quote from @Stephanie Lopez:
Quote from @Aristotle Kumpis:
Quote from @Stephanie Lopez:
Quote from @Aristotle Kumpis:

Hi Stephanie. I actually live in Orange County. You also? When you say an investing business, are you referring to fix and flip? I would certainly not recommend buying and holding here because the numbers don't work with 25% down. And the landlord laws are terrible in CA. Also, the entry point is very high. The average price of an SFR is over $700,000. I would recommend you look in other markets.

Thank you for the advise Aristotle! Yes, I live here in OC. What markets did you start out in? I’m thinking of being active in wholesaling and flipping. 
@Stephanie Lopez: I am a buy and hold investor, so I don't do active investing. I currently own rentals in Alabama, Tennessee, and Indiana.
You’re in Lake Forest? Me too, we are neighbors! What would you recommend how to get started when I am limited with money? 

@Stephanie Lopez - Small world! It really depends on what your goal is. Are you trying to replace your income today? Or are you looking to build long term wealth? Buy and hold is a long term strategy, while it's mostly passive. And flipping is more active and requires a lot more involvement.

 I know! Do you ever attend any local meetups or networks? Yes, to the first part, income today and building long-term wealth in the future. 

Post: Investing In California ?

Stephanie LopezPosted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Orange County, CA
  • Posts 32
  • Votes 20
Quote from @Jonathan Greene:

ADUs are really the best play for California right now because those particular laws are trending in favor of the homeowner with some limitations. Gabe Cole does high end flips in the OC and around there and has for years, but deals are harder to come by and you have to go high to get the spread. Barbara Isabel is a great person for LA as well as her investors focus on multifamily construction options.

Basically, if you are looking to invest in CA in any way, you need a solid amount of capital to even think about it and then you will still probably decide on somewhere else.


 Thanks Jonathan, I am already thinking about deciding on a different location. Thanks for the insight!