I hope to get my first property within the next 18 months.If I can find a steal on a MFR I'll use my VA loan and get something in Southern California otherwise I'll use conventional financing and get something in the center of the country where prices are much more affordable.

The property is in Southern California, so potential appreciation definitely does play a role in our ultimate decision.

If the difference between cost and FMV is pretty big and they tack on extra anyway, well then that's just greedy, and you don't want greed to be the defining characteristic of someone you're going to be partnering with for 10+ years.I suppose in markets with rapid inflation, like Southern California, such pricing might make some sense, but I'd still be wary - even in the priciest markets like CA, NY, HI, further appreciation isn't guaranteed, so paying extra in anticipation of increasing values seems...iffy.

You can build rental income in expensesI invest in SFR in Southern California, just a bit less expensive than bay area, in a place where I hear all day long on these forums that cash flow is bad.

I'd like to house hack a duplex or other small multi-family as my first jump into real estate but I'm also open to exploring how other experienced investors make it work in the dreaded Southern California market.I would be thrilled to put in some sweat equity or shadow a more experienced investor to gain some hands on experience and share knowledge.

Hey Illinois BP'ers,My day job is sending me to St Louis/Southern Illinois area for a few months and I'm looking to connect with some local investors while I am there.

Part of that has to do with my work schedule but with that said, I do like to contribute when I feel I can offer something of value and I do enjoy the networking and giving back when I can.I should also add that while I'm up in the South Sound area (Auburn) of WA right now, I'm planning on relocating to Las Vegas as a permanent resident with a "crash pad" on the beach in the Southern California area for work as my domicile will be located there.

I am around the city of Pomona and Claremont so its Southern California.

I am just getting started and would like to do a wholesale or flip in/near the Jeffersonville, IN area. I can't seem to find the owner of the vacant properties. Where should I be looking? I've even had several Realtor...

Southern hospitality, Sweet tea, Land, Lakes, what America is all about.