The single biggest issue in my way currently is obtaining enough cash, whether it be my own, or through partnerships or family/friend-based lending (which I am very hesitant about to begin with as this could potentially strain relationships unnecessarily when money is involved).

Two flats are essentially just houses.... they trade like houses and there is a lot of emotion involved.

These leads were very unresponsive and may pan out over a longer period of time but the time involved is just not worth the effort.  

I don't think rent to retirement can vet a deal any better than anyone else or you, they just have a bit of a system. but the new builds in Lehigh acres, Cape Coral, north port, etc are all garbage. septic systems, poor economics, low rent to purchase price ratios, you are banking on appreciation and buying at market. building direct is going to give you a competitive advantage on a 3 unit let's say worth 600,000 you are going to be 120k ahead than if you bought it through them. that's my analysis. if you are super lazy and too busy to make money and have millions to throw around then I'd recommend not thinking much about investing. but you can also invest in funds and be way omre passive than buying a new build from far away. but if you want to add real value then get involved and make it happen. getting wealthy isn't easy. you work hard for your money and there are build to rent developers like us that try to answer and add value to start buiding relationshipsl

Understand the fees involved and calculate the total cost for an entire year of management so you can compare the different managers.

I know your involved at a high level with Board of Realtors and state regulators .. 

There are more complicated strategies to maximize larger listings that involve having like multiple listings for same property and do individual room rentals when it is slower and then for larger length stays, larger groups, and more desirable dates you'd book the whole space, but I think its easier to just do two separate. 

It’s a balancing act of controlling costs while also controlling risk of personal injury to your tenants and property visitors as well as maintaining goodwill with all involved at the properties. 

My name is Nico Banuelos, and I've been actively involved in real estate since 2021.

I have one more year left, but am eager to get my real estate wheels back turning.This year 2025, I am looking to get my foot back in the pool and become much more involved in the real estate community.