I'm a construction cost estimator building my real estate network, and want to offer my experience to the BP forums.I've spent 3 years in residential estimating and 5 years in commercial estimating.

Alternatively, would it be better to continue purchasing new homes with each move (approximately every 3 years) to gradually build my portfolio?

Go to BUILD YOUR TEAM at the top of your screen, and you can search for other MEMBERS or LOCAL MEETUPS.

So, here at the 6 month check in, here are the things I've been doing since January 2024: *Anchored everything to my WHY, including the motivations and long-term strategy *Joined a local REI group hosted by my church*Researched tax lien investing in Harford County, MD and decided to not play in that space this year*Read a few REI books (Rich Dad Poor Dad, One Rental At A Time, Building Wealth One House at a Time, Wealth Without Cash, Building Real Estate Wealth in a Changing Market)*Subscribed to a bunch of good YouTube channels (BP, ORAAT, Ken McElroy, Coach Carson...)

I cannot overstate the importance of finding a way to build a good rapport with your tenants as early on in the acquisition process as possible, as it will minimize or prevent countless headaches further down the road.When I took over my duplex with an inherited resident in one of the units, I had this conversation with the tenant prior to closing and found out that the toilet in their bathroom was clogging once or twice a week, and their shower head water pressure was super weak. 

I would look to house-hack if you are local -or- use this time to build up your financial readiness and see how the next 3-6 months shake out in some of those Midwest markets.

I'm particularly passionate about building custom homes and using  the BRRRR method.Outside of real estate, I enjoy ATV riding, playing soccer and basketball and also traveling the world and connecting with new people.Excited to learn and connect with you all!

The best way to access off market deals you have to either do it yourself, which is a full-time job calling and building relationships with these cold sellers, or find investor-friendly agents/wholesalers sourcing these deals for you.Check out wholesaling Facebook groups in your area and add yourself to all of them.

This game lasts for a few years and you can buy a few buildings this way. 

.* adu/jadu's add contributory value to the property as a whole, which may or may not = the cost to build them.