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All Forum Posts by: Zeke Liston

Zeke Liston has started 2 posts and replied 1517 times.

Post: House hacking with a high interest rate

Zeke Liston
Agent
Pro Member
Posted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Columbus, OH
  • Posts 1,595
  • Votes 1,450
Quote from @Codey Wendel:

Hello everyone. I just started the mortgage application process and have been pre-approved for a loan with a 6.75% interest rate. I was planning on purchasing a duplex this summer and going the FHA route, but now am not sure if it's the right decision with how high interest rates are. My price range is 200-250k and my total interest paid when it's all said and done will exceed the purchase price. I don't want to sit around waiting for interest rates to drop and pass on some good opportunities, but I'm also not sure if I want to pay that much in interest.

Does anyone have any opinions on this? Would refinancing a few years after purchasing make my numbers look better? 

Thank you in advance.


 Hey, Codey, if you decide to wait until the rates drop, the prices will likely be higer. I'm personally buying pretty aggressively with the plan to refinance down the road. With that said, I'm still making sure the deal makes sense with the current rates. Good luck! 

Post: Advice on renting primary residence

Zeke Liston
Agent
Pro Member
Posted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Columbus, OH
  • Posts 1,595
  • Votes 1,450
Quote from @Yates Harris:

I am thinking of taking a job out of state and during that time I would like to rent out my primary residence which is a one bedroom townhouse in Buckhead/Atlanta. It does have an HOA but they do allow rentals for at least 6 months. My main concern is I want to make sure I offset any liability in perhaps the slim instance a tenant tries to sue me for potentially slipping and falling themselves or for whatever possible reason really. Putting real estate assets into an LLC or trust are all terms I hear about but am wondering if that would be appropriate and/or necessary in this situation to off set any potential liability? Am I perhaps over thinking this and should I perhaps not consider putting a primary residence into a trust or LLC? I just want to do everything possible to make sure I'm protected in every way, including making sure no one could ever go after non real estate assets like my stocks as well. The townhome is completely paid off and own it outright in case that matters at all. Any insight is much appreciated! Thanks so much for your help!

Yates


Hey Yates, I personally put all of my investment properties under LLCs. You can have an attorney do a quit claim deed to transfer your property into an LLC.

Post: New member in southwest ohio

Zeke Liston
Agent
Pro Member
Posted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Columbus, OH
  • Posts 1,595
  • Votes 1,450
Quote from @Blake Spiller:

Hi my name is Blake Spiller and I just became a member of BP. I’ve been listening to the podcasts from BP and it’s even sparked my interest that much more into real estate investing. I live about 1.5 hrs east of Cincinnati. My area is more rural and compromised more of farmland than towns. We do have a couple of areas that are growing in our area though. I’d like to invest in farm land but it’s extremely expensive and hard to come by as of right now. I think that my interests right now would be investing in farm land or buying a home to rent out for cash flow. Someday I would like to possibly have 4-5 homes that I would be renting out that could possibly help me retire a little early as well as provided continued cashflow in retirement. I just wanted to say hello and I’m excited to learn as much as possible from BP and all of the people. Thanks!


 That's great, Blake. My father-in-law owns a farm in Southeast Ohio. If you want to stay local, you might need to start with house hacking a home. If you can move, there are some other spots in Ohio where you can get a better deal on land. Good luck!

Post: Purchasing Rental Properties in Columbus OH

Zeke Liston
Agent
Pro Member
Posted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Columbus, OH
  • Posts 1,595
  • Votes 1,450
Quote from @Michael Potorti:

Analyzing areas around Columbus OH for purchasing duplexes and SFH for appreciation / cash flow - would like to stay in $100-200k range - any insight on where to target and areas to avoid are appreciated.


 I agree with the above comments. Newark, Deleware, and Obetz could also be a good neighborhood to consider, just about 25 minutes outside of Columbus. 

Post: First investment property help

Zeke Liston
Agent
Pro Member
Posted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Columbus, OH
  • Posts 1,595
  • Votes 1,450
Quote from @Jenifer Garcia:

Hello,

I am still working towards finding my first deal and find myself not confident enough to squeeze the trigger and make an offer. I am also investing out of state.

The following is an example:

Asking price: 135k

Comps: $185-210k

Location: OH, 43123

Description: 3 bedroom 2 bath 1530 sq-ft and a full basement. Property needs moderate rehab.

My questions.

1. How can I get the most accurate rehab cost before making an offer?

2. What steps should I be taking to ensure I am buying right?

3. Tips for investing out of state. Buy process and rehab process.

All feedback is appreciated!!


Hey Jenifer, congrats on the opportunity! 

1. You likely won't be able to get a super accurate rehab cost before you make an offer. This will likely come in your due diligence period (typically the first 7-10 days after offer acceptance). 

2. You should review the comps and cash flow predictions to make sure you're hitting your metrics. 

3. Make sure you have a good team in place. Sounds like you'll need a contractor and definitely a property manager. You don't need to have this all figured out before making an offer but make sure you're working on getting this team together. 

Good luck! 

Post: Newbie from LA

Zeke Liston
Agent
Pro Member
Posted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Columbus, OH
  • Posts 1,595
  • Votes 1,450
Quote from @Nestor Hernandez:

Hello Bigger Pockets Community!

I am new to real estate and based out of LA looking to learn more about out of state investing! I'm excited to be a part of this community and eager to learn! Looking for people in LA doing local meetups with the same goals.


 Hey Nestor, there are tons of great resources and books about out-of-state investing in BP. I'd love to connect, I'm based here in the Ohio market. 

Post: Investment ideas question

Zeke Liston
Agent
Pro Member
Posted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Columbus, OH
  • Posts 1,595
  • Votes 1,450
Quote from @Bernie Burke:

Hello, I’d like to hear some ideas as far as what you would do if you had $100k in cash to invest? I already own a few rentals and feel the market is too high to purchase more right now.


Hey Bernie, I would find another market where you can hit your investment goals. If you're after cash flow, the Midwest has some good options. Ohio is my local market, and I've been able to hit good cash flow while still seeing solid appreciation. 

Post: Intro NewB Investor Hungry for Deal!

Zeke Liston
Agent
Pro Member
Posted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Columbus, OH
  • Posts 1,595
  • Votes 1,450
Quote from @Christian Torres:

I am a new investor currently located in San Diego, California . I am looking for multifamily properties out of state, preferably in markets that are only a short flight away.  I currently own a two unit property in San Diego, but would like to expand my portfolio. I have taken commercial multifamily mastermind courses, and I am part of a couple of real estate investment groups and mentorships. I am looking for potential partners to help me in this real estate journey. Happy and excited to be here! 


 Congrats on the duplex in San Diego Christian. Have you researched the Ohio market at all? There are several top-growing cities in Ohio, and there are good opportunities for cash flow. 

Post: Rookie Investor - Where To Start?

Zeke Liston
Agent
Pro Member
Posted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Columbus, OH
  • Posts 1,595
  • Votes 1,450
Quote from @Atlas Blake:

Greetings Fellow REIs,

I took the plunge into REI approximately three months ago and have been immersing myself in learning ever since. While I have some liquid cash on hand to kickstart my journey, I'm keen on optimizing my resources.


Initially, my strategy revolves around engaging in fix-and-flip projects to generate capital, with the goal of transitioning into mid-term rentals. I'm currently exploring opportunities in both the Southern California and mid-east markets.

Another consideration on my radar is the prospect of "Owner Occupying" my inaugural multifamily home in San Diego, with plans to expand my portfolio from there.

I would greatly appreciate any advice or insights from those with experience in the field. Thank you in advance for your guidance! 

 Hey Atlas, house hacking is a great way to get started. If that's not an option, Ohio has a lot of great options for BRRRRs and flips. 

Post: Guidance from Real Estate Experts on Purchasing my First Rental Investment

Zeke Liston
Agent
Pro Member
Posted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Columbus, OH
  • Posts 1,595
  • Votes 1,450
Quote from @Shola Sulaimon:

Dear all,

I am new to real estate rental investment and looking to purchase my first rental property as a source of passive income. 

I reside in Santa Rosa, CA and property prices are way too expensive, as such looking in out-of-state areas. 

I've honed down to select areas with 1 Year CES Job Change Percentage >2%...  

1. Texas: Austin, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio

2. Florida: Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville

3. North Carolina: Durham & Raleigh

4. Georgia: Atlanta

5. Nevada: Reno & Las Vegas

I need help from folks experienced in the real estate arena in honing down to the top 5 areas & neighborhoods or any other areas you may have insight into.  I  am looking for positive cash flow with this investment,  locations with a propensity to increase in value & friendly landlord laws. Thank you for your insights!!!!


 Hi Shola, I've heard great things about all of those markets. I personally invest in the Ohio market, and my investments bring in good cash flow and appreciation. Columbus, Ohio, could be a market to add to your search.