All Forum Posts by: Trevor Ewen

@Danny Diaz 

I own several REITS. Couple domestic, one foreign.

Particularly in the traditional real estate investing community, there are many different opinions on the value of investment products (those traded on stock exchanges). I don't want to open up that debate here. Let's just understand that I believe stocks, bonds, funds, and physical real estate can be used to build wealth. I also believe that the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.

I use REITs as another way to diversity my stock portfolio. It makes up a smaller percentage than my corporate stocks, but it tends to have a lower correlation with corporate stocks and bonds, and that provides strength through diversity. 

I treat my physical real estate as a separate category. Thus, while I invest in REITs on a weekly basis, I do not consider any of that investment as a contribution to my real estate goals. Instead, I view it the same way I would a stock purchase. There are some who would disagree with this distinction. I think it's keen to note that when you buy a REIT, you are buying shares in a company that purchases and manages real estate. For this reason, I think of it like a stock.

Hope that's helpful. If you want to talk about more of my philosophy on the relative value of these products, feel free to send me a message.

@Matthew Rembish 

Listen a lot. Learn from others when they want to talk and interact with you. I am still very green, and it's amazing to see how many people have gone so much farther. Here is my reading list. Just a few of the things that got me pumped early on. I will try to stray away from the oft mentioned (Rich Dad/Poor Dad, well worth it, but I am sure you have heard that):

Wall Street Journal. Complete Real-Estate Investing Guidebook (first read, general guide)
Investing in Fixer Uppers - Jay Decima (creative, knowledgable)
Care and Feeding of Tenants - Andy Kane (great on tenant info)

Podcasts have still been my primary medium for education. You can never get enough. There are a couple more good ones out there. Message me later and I can give some more recommendations if you like.

@Richard Adjou 

It's hard to take a stab at analyzing the deal without knowing more specifics, and what you are looking for in your deals. Obviously, everyone is unique, and I would hate to prescribe a yay or nay for me, that could be a slam dunk for you.

The only advice I can give to investing out of your market is: Make sure you have a team/people in the area. If you don't have that, it mine as well be Antarctica in my book. People can give you perspective, services, an eye on the property, whatever you need. 

I refuse to go into a market alone without some contacts on the ground.

@Carol Venolia 

Word of mouth is great advice. That's how my mother started and continued a successful catering business with no budget for marketing, whatsoever.

@Jason C. 

Definitely, one house is a great way to test the waters in a new market.

@Elizabeth Colegrove 

Thanks for that. Sometimes I need to be reminded about the obvious stuff, like talking to the people outside of real estate who may be able to provide for my needs (tenants!). Anyway, just added a call to the local university on my task list.

Thanks everyone.

Interested to hear thoughts from those with experience in very small town investing. My general mentality is very city focused. 

I have some new opportunities coming down the pipe in Buena Vista, Virginia. This is a very small town. There are some good fundamentals: local universities, steady employment nearby, low prices. That being said, I don't know what I don't know. Thanks.

Particularly interested in hearing from Brandon Turner, since he has experience with the Montesano, WA market. He always talks about the 'Po-dunk' aspects of REI.

@Chris Rodriguez 

Welcome. My wife and I have been familiarizing ourselves with the Paterson market, lately. Where are you at?

Hi @Senica Evans 

I was raised in Evanston, Illinois. Went to college there as well. Chicago is near and dear to my heart, although I am not targeting it for any present investment.

Good luck, be sure to reach out if you think I can help with anything.

Hi David. I would recommend talking to @Steve Lawson He's got feet on the ground and a management company in Indianapolis. 

I have only done phone correspondence and due diligence with him. But I like the fact he lives and works in Indy, and does not manage from afar.

@Thomas Ruf 

I am not sure I understand your question. It seems like there is a bit more background to it.

@Phillip Raetz 

What kind of seller leads are you looking for? Are you wholesaling, are you looking for investment deals for yourself? Contracting?