All Forum Posts by: Travis Tindell

I have done none of these things, nor what I recommend. However, looking at this logically... Buying a nice, permanent, house (even at a good price) is basically an expense). Buying a flip house, living in it, and moving to the next to flip that is a terrible life (in my opinion) and not one I would want for my own newly expanding family. Living in a too small apartment isn't possible (I assume). Otherwise I'd stay here and save/buy investment properties. (Think how little you are spending on where you live, plus you are off the hook for repairs). So I would recommend buying a 2-4 unit to live in and rent out the other units. Basically this would give you the option of having something to put some sweat equity into. Also, your money is now in a performing investment (free rent for you). You can save to buy another investment, perhaps a fix and flip you DON'T have to live in.

I'm in the same spot. Commenting to follow the discussion.

@Joe Fairless Thanks for that criteria, really helps nail down what I should be looking for. 

@Kathleen Wilcox Thank you!

Oh, also thought I would add that I actually looked at your website via your signature a few weeks ago, and remember the website being under construction. Small world!

Thanks for popping in and saying hi Elizabeth. Your model is similar to what I have in mind, however, I would like to expand into flips, multifamily, and perhaps commercial if the opportunity arises (or when I make it arise). As you can see I have looked into a few niches, but am continually discovering new ones (just watched a podcast with an investor doing subject to deals).

Would love your input on my line of thinking in terms of kicking my real estate investing off. A multifamily in college mostly paid for with student loans, or perhaps I should hold off until I get a good job...

I have begun my lifetime education in real estate approximately 3 months ago, and have learned a ton since. The BiggerPockets forums and podcasts have really helped me along with a bunch of reading on the side. Now that I know a bit, I feel the need to get involved or do something, but as a full time college student working part time in California I feel this may be the wrong time. 

Would I be correct in thinking that having a good job to back up any 'surprises' be the best bet (in your opinion)? My plan thus far is to look into a duplex, triplex, or quad wherever I move for college and trying to get my housing expenses fully or partially covered as well as some equity in the 2 years I will be there. However, going to a state I am unfamiliar with and trying to buy a house seems risky at best. 

I guess what I am looking for is affirmation that I am going along the right path. I do not want to be a 'tire-kicker,' but I also don't want to be a bankruptcy-at-22-er. How would you go about researching an area out of state for an investment like this (I don't know where I am going yet), and what would you do in the mean time? I will be leaving in approximately 1 year. Thank in advance and feel free to ask for more information.

Thanks all, I'm going to keep an eye out in this area

@Sharon Tzib Sharon, I was using the website you provided and was looking up Bryan, TX again. Like you said, not too great. However, it actually had a link to College Station, TX (which is actually where I'd prefer to be as its closest to the college). Its review seems positive, with the worst being crime (C+) and employment (D). I feel both of these would be related to the fact that a huge university is right there. Would you agree or still stand firm on staying away from the area? Here is a link to college station:

http://www.areavibes.com/college+station-tx/livability/

Sharon Tzib Again thank you! Those resources are excellent.

Sharon Tzib Thank you so much for the information! I totally blanked on needing a commercial loan. How did you determine what kind of house it was? Do you know of any blogs/posts where I can look into determining whether it is an A,B,C, etc property? Also how did you determine the crime level?