I went from growing up in a hut in Vietnam and spending my early years in Section 8 housing in the U.S. to now owning four cash-flowing properties (8 units) across three states.

There's no difference in a local flipping a house than flipping the small mixed-use building that is vacant in town into a couple commercial units and some apartments above. 

If a 2-bedroom unit rents for $1,800/month in these neighborhoods, you’re well-positioned to offset your mortgage.2.

While you may always have a skip, early termination, or eviction, spreading out the lease-end dates can help avoid having all units vacant at once.

Here’s how to find a broker you can trust:Ask for Referrals: Reach out to fellow investors or real estate agents for recommendations.Check Credentials: Look for brokers who are licensed and members of professional organizations, such as the National Association of Mortgage Brokers (NAMB).Review Their Track Record: Ask about their experience with real estate investment loans and request client testimonials.Interview Multiple Brokers: Prepare questions about their lender network, fees, and typical loan turnaround times.Evaluate Their Communication: Choose someone who listens to your needs and provides clear, honest advice.4.

How to Track Regulatory ChangesStaying up-to-date might seem daunting, but the right strategies and resources make it manageable.Key Resources:Local Government Websites: These often publish updates to zoning, rental, and housing codes.Real Estate Associations: Organizations like the National Association of Realtors (NAR) or local landlord associations offer regular updates and seminars.Newsletters and Blogs: Subscribe to reputable legal or real estate blogs for insights into upcoming changes.Professional Advisors: Build relationships with real estate attorneys and property management professionals who can provide guidance tailored to your market.Pro Tip: Set up Google Alerts for terms like “rental law changes” or “landlord regulations” in your area to receive real-time updates.3.

They don't care about the 20 year old HVAC unit or a 10 year old roof.

Multifamily gives me more economy of scale and more flexibility to do more than having condo units spread out or SFHs.

As for the areas to target, my goal in getting our feet wet as real estate investors--and since we plan to be living in Sac--is to find a property we can live in while renting out one or more units to help cover our housing expenses, which we can then hold and continue to rent out when we move.

So this reason I rented the unit.