All Forum Posts by: Steven Soden

@Ryan Blackstone thanks that’s super helpful! I will set it up to get those notifications. I am currently working to liquidate my investments here and hoping to be able to make the move early to mid next year, but I will be visiting a couple times before then so maybe the timing will line up at some point!

@Candence Brooks thank you for your input, it is much appreciated!

@Jennifer Schelkopf Thankyou so much for this response, there is a lot of helpful information here! :)

My wife and I are looking to move to Arkansas. I am wondering of any real estate groups that may be helpful. Also looking for insight on the markets as they are vastly different then what I’m used too. What are the best long term investments in Arkansas? I realize Arkansas is an entire state but I’m not sure where in Arkansas we will be moving too yet.

Hey guys! I am in escrow on my first flip that I won’t be living in. The property is gutted to the studs and I would like to insure it throughout the renovation process. I have found a lot about the types of insurance I need but would love some advice on companies that offer this type of insurance. Anything helps!

@Joey Dingman I currently live in ridgecrest. I operate some short term rentals but looking to expand a lot this year. Cardinal plumbing would be your best bet for a good quote on the water heater. Avoid any manufactured homes because the foundations didnt hold up well to the earthquakes. I would also be very cautious with anything with cinderblocks, check the chimney close if it has one as those were the biggest casualty of the earthquakes. Other than that you should be in the clear. Feel free to message me if you have any questions I may be able to answer!

@Rick Rolfe I agree with nick about the major risks of investing in CA right now, but ridgecrest Ca (not part of riverside) is a good market if you are looking to invest in rentals. It is a bit cheaper than average for Southern California and thanks to NAWS China Lake Naval Base, it’s market lessens some of the risks associated with Ca investing. A majority of the local market is employed on the base with well paying jobs and there is a shortage of good rentals making the rent prices pretty profitable for investors. Downsides include earthquakes, desert location, and typical Ca law issues.

@Payman A. Think of that area kindof like an overflow area for ridgecrest. When the base has a lot going on and the bulk of the apartments are full it gets fixed up and rents higher. When the base is less active it gets less dependable renters, rent drops and the area gets run down and it fairly regularly goes through a cycle like that.

@Payman A. That area can be tricky to judge because it has nicer areas and then a block later on the same street it has pretty run down areas, and because of that the rents and demand seem to fluctuate a lot depending mostly on the base. I think it’s possible you could get $900 a month if they are nice enough and in a good section, but There is definitely risk if you need it to bring in $900 for it to be worth it. I would be a bit concerned about consistency and not getting the best renters. I own a furnished 800sqft house here that I use as a short term rental through airbnb and VRBO and it stays pretty busy between the base and tourists going through Death Valley, but we haven’t had much luck filling it for any more than a week or two at a time and mostly book two to three night stays. It brings in a good profit but requires consistent management! Ridgecrest just broke ground on a small shopping center, and a Casino. It’s California so it will take a while for either to be finished but that mixed with the base bringing in more contracts seems promising.

I currently live in and invest in ridgecrest, one good side is that vacancies are extremely low. The base consistently brings in more people than the town can really house and so everything stays pretty full. If they are nice enough and the numbers  add up it’s not a bad place to invest. The base here isn’t going anywhere so it’s pretty stable.i would personally stay away from that particular area Though, it is probably the worst part of town, so rents will be lower than elsewhere, probably no more than 650-700 in great shape. If you have any questions or anything you can message me any time!