All Forum Posts by: Stephanie Ro

@Chris Levarek Thank you for your service. This is a great place to learn and I am new, too. Just out of curiosity, would you recommend investing near military bases? Surely there is a high rental market near the areas, right?

@John Teachout I didn't know it was you and your wife! You put in a lot of work. Well done. Darn that terrible tenant for trashing your new place. Can he be placed on a payment plan to pay you back? I fear these tenants, but it shouldn't stop me from REI. :)

@John Teachout Fantastic that you have a solid team! I wish to have this one day. May I ask how long it took to establish a great team? When I move back to the states, I want to house hack first in a duplex/triplex/fourplex because I just don't want a SFH with roommates. A lot of people are saying that the properties I mentioned are most often in bad areas of town and have C grade tenants. I may have to find a fixer upper, but this may be hard to find in better neighborhoods. Here's to researching!

@John Teachout glad to hear that there is hope for investing in properties on the MLS for well over 45+ days. I always wonder what is wrong with them and why other investors haven't scooped them up. I automatically think that there are structural issues, termite damage, roof or plumbing issues.

@Lee Ripma LEEEEE! This is far out! I played podcast roulette and came across your show just days ago! I've been listening to the BP podcast for just shy of 3 weeks now. I have listened to your show in full - you're the scientist who went to MO b/c your partner liked the Chiefs and you visited once! That's awesome. Was that the DISCERN method? ;) I am approaching my first investment property (regarding the neighborhood feels/safety) by gathering data from websites and talking to local residents online. I could use a strategic method and more structure to my approach. I am a bit all over the map.  

I am living overseas at the moment, but when I return, I want to buy right away and need to be smart about it. I'd love to DM you and hear what you have to say about DISCERN. I am from Denver (Go Broncos), but lived in Las Vegas for over 10 years. I don't want to go back to either one of those cities/states, so I am going to be heavily reliant on data and word of mouth. This is exciting and terrifying. I'd love to rehab and did hear your story - I just want everything to go smoothly, but from what I have been hearing on podcasts, many, many guests have it tough when they first start out. Let's chat!

While browsing Roofstack, https://www.roofstock.com/investment-property-marketplace I got my hopes up for a multi family (2-4 unit). I wanted a neighborhood rating of 4.5-5 stars. I knew to be objective on this, but... 

I looked at crime rates using https://www.neighborhoodscout and was shocked to find that some of these 4 and 4.5 star properties found on Roofstack were in the red, dark orange, dark yellow (not so good) areas according to the scout website. I felt led on to believe that the properties were in better neighborhoods than they were. I know my price point is on the low end, but you'd think the neighborhood rating would adjust accordingly. I know both sites probably pull different data, but this was far off.

Does anyone have a more accurate website of finding multifamily units other than Roofstock, Redfin and Zillow? Is Realtor much better? Is my crime map website off? Thanks! 
(Just a backstory - I am overseas at the moment and will return sometime and am doing homework now) I do not want to return to Las Vegas nor Denver where I am from. I think it's going to be tough b/c I do not know the lay of the land, but there is community and network on which I am relying! 

I wrote everything out and it all disappeared. Here we go again. I said that I just posted to another reply that duplexes/triplexes are what I want now after hearing everyone's input. I lived in Las Vegas before I left and I don't want to live there again. Before that was Colorado and so much has changed and homes are so expensive. I was thinking a college town where I went for 1 year would be cool. I want to take advantage of the FHA loan at 3.5% and go from there.

I was considering Nashville but heard about the crime. I'd also consider Indianapolis or Cincinnati/KY boarder. I need to build a strong foundation first and read the books. It's overwhelming and exciting to think about the possibilities. So many people have opinions on the market. I only have myself and don't want to make thousands of dollars in mistakes. 😔 

@daniel Mears This was just a thought. Ideally, when I move back to the states, I'd like to get a duplex/triplex and take advantage of an FHA loan at 3.5%. There are lots to think about! Just starting out and joining the forums.

@Jay Hinrichs I really appreciate the breakdown. It really helps with my decision whenever I decide to move back to the states. Perhaps, I will invest in Las Vegas, but not live there again. The internet did me wrong and I must have read bogus information regarding NV as not landlord friendly!  I had been thinking about investing in Arizona and can take on board what you have said about desert scaping and lack of water intrusion. 

I didn't know that about Texas - surely not all of that big state has foundation issues! I wanted to avoid TX because of high property taxes. I wanted jump on the Austin hype, but believe that moment has passed.

This gives me lots to consider and really appreciate your time in replying. **Oh - I'd like to go for an FHA loan and house hack, so I do not want to be obligated to stay in LV for at least a year. :)

@genny li Thank you for the explanation. WOW. You really did your research and were very specific. I was thinking about student rentals, but only in a town where I know the area. It's going to be tricky, but I know I can make it happen. So many people on this thread are saying to stay away from condos and HOAs altogether! So much to think about. I appreciate the depth of your reply.