All Forum Posts by: James Mudd

...I see "For Sale By Owner" homes on the market for months...compared to a home listed with an agent, they get sold faster in most cases...and for more money. Just a thought for you...sometimes it's best to let an expert do the work for you.

...people that send out direct mail are successful....but, those people have a system. Do a search on BP for direct mail...or yellow letter. Plenty of good info....goodluck!

@David Abed ...you really can't try and do "just a little bit" of direct mail. You have to commit to a long term campaign....sending to the same addresses 3-4 times...thousands of letters every couple of weeks must be sent out. You must also be able to stomach the fact you may not close a deal for 6 months into the campaign....if you are spotty with the letters, or just send out a few, you won't have results.

I would stick with a SFR 3/2...the easiest to sell when you want to get out. PM me with your email address if you want me to setup a search for you. You will get email notifications anytime a new property goes on MLS, or a price drop occurs.

...if I was you, I would put all my focus into paying off the student debt. You have to get that monkey off your back. Imagine how much money that would free up for investing! I agree with @Joel Owens on the school debt. Blows me away how much debt people get into for school.

Do a search online for Dave Ramsey....he has great material for helping people through that process.

...and I agree, you have to look beyond MLS...I watch the MLS everyday and the inventory is overpriced and has been on the market awhile. The deals are made elsewhere.

...most of the retail agents don't want to mess with investors and they have no idea the investment route...they won't even return your calls....it can be frustrating dealing with them. I am an agent here in Dallas, let me know if you need anything....goodluck! @Rick Reed

@Andy Luick I believe he has a young family...with a newborn. I would never have someone renting out individual rooms, in that situation. The duplex idea would be best for Chris. You will have a little more wiggle room in the numbers if you plan on occupying the residence for awhile. So the "best" deal is not inherent. If you are going to buy a home for yourself anyway, you mine as well get someone else paying the majority of the mortgage.

You will have to look into "upper scale" duplexes in order to find one you will feel comfortable in occupying. So, you will pay a bit more...won't be a homerun type deal.

Good luck in your search...and keep us updated.

@Chris Frydenlund ...sorry for jumping on your thread and asking a question....hopefully it will help you find some direction as well.

@Jon Holdman ...great post Jon! Have a question for you. If you were a single guy, no debt, currently renting an apartment...and have 12k liquid with an additional $1,800 monthly free to invest...what would you do to set yourself up for a good real estate investing career? What strategy would you personally use?...my original plan was to build a large buy-and-hold portfolio, but now I am wondering if I should revise my business plan.

Thanks for your time.