Hello BP community,My name is Mike and I am looking to begin my real estate investing career.I live in the San Fernando Valley in LA County, and I am looking to purchase my first rental property.

Even potential to trim some medium sized trees for a valley view in the back!

Maybe invest across the river in PA?

I actually used to live in Valley Village (Magnolia and Laurel Canyon).Anyway, SoCal can be a tough nut to crack for newbies.A couple years ago I mailed out lots of letters to homeowners across LA County with no luck.Then I tried rural Kern County and got a deal from a distressed homeowner in California City.The margins were not as large as they would've been in LA or OC, but I was able to rent it out for 2 years before fixing it up and selling it for a decent gain.Also, have you considered an owner-occupied small multifamily for your first deal?

Welcome @Shane Ward from another Lehigh Valley BP member. 

In the Hudson Valley a builders grade type home in the finished areas would generally have a replacement cost of $200.00 per square foot.

I specialize in the San Fernando Valley and up into Santa Clarita.

Well, for 5-plex, a commercial loan is needed, that is why I am opting for a 4-plex for now to get a conventional loan and lower down payment.I am looking for a realtor that I could work with, knows the central valley area and contractor/s for a  fixer-upper property to work with.Any advice, suggestions, or knowledge about a potential 4-plex investment property would be greatly appreciated.Thank you very much,Timz

Attn Allentown PA Investors, Do you really believe in the NIZ, is Allentown stuck in the mud, and do you think people in Lehigh Valley actually would want to live/work/play in downtown Allentown?

Hello everyone! My name is Matthew Campbell. I am a business major at Moorpark College. In the past I have had success investing in the stock market and helping my dad run his SFR rental in Texas. I am looking to find...