All Forum Posts by: Frankie Woods

@Bradley Bogdan  will do!  Thanks for reading!  The military has been great so far.

Thanks for sharing your story.  I feel for you, but use this as a way to grow.  You will assuredly find yourself in similar situations in the future even if you are doing everything right.  In fact, the more successful you get, the more other people see opportunity.  As bad as that sounds, just stick with it and focus on you.  Karma has a funny way of working it all out.

@Andrew Syrios , great advice!  I am currently in the process of "seasoning" a property I bought in STL in a "fringe" neighborhood.  It's currently being rehabbed by a property management firm that has promise, but with which this is my first experience.  Fingers crossed!

Welcome to BP @Corby Goade !  It seems like you're on the same course as I am.  In fact it's almost identical!  Even down to the "giving questionable advise" comment, haha!  I must admit though, the more I participate, the less questionable my advise becomes.  It's really kind of insane.  This site is genious! 

I look forward to hearing more about your journery!

@Garrett Zander no I'm not.  I moved back in '12.  I just have the one rental which was originally my primary residence.  Like @Darrin Carey I'm kicking myself that I didn't buy more :/.  If you come by anything, I'd be more than happy to check it out!  Though, I may have already missed the "move".

@Wendell De Guzman 

@Wendell De Guzman , thank you for sharing!  This is EXACTLY what I need to hear!  I'm also an engineer-ish (operations research degree) and am fairly risk averse.  Looking back, at what point (e.g., specific indicators) would you have jumped ship if you were to do it all over again? 

@Maura Paler welcome to BP!  I've seen a couple threads now on vacation rentals.  I love the idea.  What blew my away about your post was your comment:

One fantasy is to find an area in a warmer climate, preferably near surfing (for the husband!) and purchase multiple small properties. Vacation rental them for the next 10 years or so - then sell to friends for an instant fun retirement community.

This is exactly what I'm trying to do, albeit a little differently.  I'm looking more towards major cities so that when I travel, my friends, family, and I have a free place to stay!

@Risa Robertson !  Congratulations at taking the first step on BP by introducing yourself.  I am a new investor as well so take my recommendations with a grain a salt, but like you, I have been spending A LOT of time on BP soaking up knowledge.  I also have a few deals under my belt. 

Though you may be able to find great deals out of state, one of the keys to real estate is being an expert in your market.  This is especially true to us newbies.  It is extremely difficult to get proficient in an area without having trustworthy "boots on the ground".  If you aren't personally doing the legwork, it will take time to build trust in someone else.

Therefore, I'd recommend one of two things:  invest in Oakland like you suggested or move inland and find learn about an area further away from the city that is affordable to your current situation (e.g., inland empire).  There are always options available that DO NOT requiring you to invest out of state.  

Just my .02 cents...  

Welcome to BP @Victor Eng !  I think the biggest step is introducing yourself!  Honestly, the more questions you ask, the more questions you will be able to answer down the road.  This site is amazing at turning learning material into actionable knowledge!  I love it!  I look forward to hearing about your future endeavors in real estate!