All Forum Posts by: Sue Z.

@Ali Boone Fantastic thread you've started!  I love meeting other female investors - near and far.  I've been investing in real estate since 2003, while still working full time.  My first purchase was in the turning beach resort of North Wildwood, NJ.  I yielded over 200% on that property and others since, so this has been my benchmark (ambitious, I know).

In the meantime, I was a software developer for several large pharma companies and most recently with Goldman Sachs, while also an active stock market trader.  I've taken my software and trading skills and applied them to real estate ventures which I now do full-time.  I am an investor and agent in the Central NJ beach area of Monmouth County, but also actively pursue Cape May County .  I also invest in Philadelphia, my hometown, which has gotten off the charts hot.  I was fortunate to buy the properties where I lived early - in University City (from my days at UPenn) and Rittenhouse Square (from my days of single-hood :).  We also have several properties in Fishtown and one in Port Richmond under contract.  

I love number crunching (I geek out on data analysis and statistics), meeting people and making deals.  I love to see the same energy elsewhere across the country and would welcome the opportunity to meet others.  My latest obsession is Denver.  I'll be visiting in the fall (Beer Fest) and hope to find a property (or more) then.

Best of luck to all and I welcome any connections!

@Matt Bamford Hi Matt -- I agree with Igor, above, there are various sections of Kensington, so it's difficult to give a definitive answer without knowing a specific address (neighborhoods are classified as East, Olde and just plain Kensington).  East Kensington is noted as one of the hottest neighborhoods in the city (low DOM, decreasing inventory and increasing prices) that yield good rents.  And then there's the open air drug market neighborhoods.  I personally do not like to invest in those types of areas, although some are happy with the cash flow. 

The trends, demographics and business outlook (expanding corporations like Comcast, marine terminal investments and favorable tax abatement policies) of the city are promising, hence the investments in these lower priced neighborhoods.

Good luck with your decision!  

@Joshua Jones Hi Joshua, I'm an agent in Spring Lake (Monmouth County) serving the beach community.  I am also an investor, so have an understanding of what you are seeking.  Please message me if you'd like to learn about some opportunities in this area.  

I'm not sure how fast you drive, but when I worked in Jersey City, I was occasionally able to make it there in 60 minutes :)  

@John Moses 

@Chris Martino Hi! Just as wholesalers seek out these types of deals, so do realtors, as you'd guess. I would suggest not limiting yourselves to any single source for deals. For example, my office has an office exclusive 2 unit along the beach that will probably be sold before it hits the MLS. This happens all the time. Keep your options open and you'll do well. (You can PM me if you'd like more info on the aforementioned property).

@Nathan Gornto the Asbury Park market is doing phenomenal; the town continues to flourish and attract attention from both investors and vacationers.  And it's a really fun place to hang - fantastic restaurants, bars and nightlife.  You should come back for a visit!

@Nathan Gornto

@Christopher Lombardi @Andrew Schwartz @Eric Waterman - have you created a local networking group at the Jersey Shore?  If so, I'd be interested in joining.  I'm looking to invest locally as well as in Philadelphia and would love to share ideas with others.