All Forum Posts by: Trevor Ewen

@James Park 

As a stock investor, I have been moving slowly in the market. Prices are high, so no need to put in a lot of money these days. 

Interest rates on fixed rate mortgages are great at the moment, that's where I recommend putting your attention

@Michael Barbari 

I grew up in Evanston, Illinois. I have good contacts on the North Side, but Oak Brook may be a bit of a hull. Also, these guys are a bit more focused on rehab and maintenance. If you still want to speak to them, shoot me a message.

@Kurt Kwart 

Appreciate your open mind. I also don't think Trump is the guy to aim for, just an example of malcontent with the area. 

High risk brings reward, and if you're in the right place geographically, it's better prices than most of NJ.

@Jamaal Jaynes Welcome.

The best interview I have heard on this topic is: http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/06/19...

The investor's name is John Fedro, and he should be on Bigger Pockets. He has a site as well, which I recommend you check out. For a look at the topic from a perception angle, I actually thought this article was pretty cool: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/16/magazine/the-cold-hard-lessons-of-mobile-home-u.html

@Mike Roy Just remember, everyone takes their cut. Just make sure that the mortgage broker is adding value. I have used a broker, and have been very happy.

@Steve Olafson it's something I think about often. I do believe that in all things, and particularly in investing, Regression to the Mean is the rule.

Multi-family investing is associated with urban living. Particularly in New York, I see multi-family fervor that is slightly misplaced. When urban-dwelling millennials start having children, and those children become adolescents.

I know one non-millionaire family who stayed in NYC for the adolescence of their children. 

Everyone else gets right out into the single-family, suburban market. The demand for multi-family homes is high, thanks (in part) to childless millennials and their empty nest parents. All I know: it's a great time to get out there and get a good price on single family homes.

@Mark Del Grosso People definitely have different tolerances for this kind of thing. From my perspective, it's just like dealing with any policy: Cigarettes, Alcohol, Pets.

@Lafontant Cherilus it's a good question, I have definitely had the same thoughts myself. There aren't a great many deals in the Northeast, especially when you throw the waterfront into the mix.

This article is a great read on the general demeanor of AC: http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/12/08/i...

A big indicator to me is that Donald Trump himself has pulled his stakes out of Atlantic City. He is someone who has often sought value in places where others didn't see it. If he has no confidence, then I think it's a good indicator of what is to come.

With the lack of jobs I can't imagine AC getting any better. It's already a rough spot, so I would advise staying away. Not to mention taxes in New Jersey, which are no friend of the opportunist investor. 

This is based entirely on my own qualitative analysis. Eager to hear what others have to say.

@Rome Xu Welcome,

I am a big believer that you should buy almost nothing at its peak. I like to buy stocks low, bonds low, and get deals on property.

Usually when there is retail craze in an area like San Francisco, that's an indicator for me to look elsewhere. I live in New York, so I am definitely used to real estate crazes.

I would recommend checking out areas in California or nearby states that may be ripe for new investment. My familiarity with the state is limited, but I understand that Sacramento and Bakersfield are very reasonable in comparison to their nearby neighbors. 

At some point, anything can be 'profitable' but I do worry about that one if profit is your primary aim.

My mother works in extended care for Geriatrics and those with disabilities. Most places either exist on the very high-end private side of the spectrum (family money, wealthy nervous breakdowns). On the other side are the government funded operations.

It appears that they are constantly over-budget, hemorrhaging money, and losing staff. It seems like a rough business to be in. Her advice is only get into the business if you care about it.