And do they still get ad free podcast listening?

Here are some tips and insights to consider as you begin building your real estate portfolio:Options:Refinancing: If you have equity in your condo, consider refinancing to access funds for future investments.Investment Loans: Explore options like conventional loans for financing future rental properties.HELOC: Depending on your equity and financial situation, a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) could provide flexible financing for down payments or renovations on new properties.Build a Financial Strategy:Budgeting: Create a detailed budget that includes mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs for your rental property.Cash Flow Analysis: Calculate expected rental income versus expenses to ensure positive cash flow.Emergency Fund: Set aside funds for unexpected repairs or vacancies.Research the Rental Market:Location: Choose rental properties in areas with strong rental demand and potential for appreciation.Tenant Profile: Understand the demographics and preferences of renters in your target market.Market Trends: Stay updated on rental market trends and local regulations affecting landlords.Property Management:Self-Management vs.

Interest Rate: 4.25%Years Left on Loan: 26Estimated Monthly Rent: $1,750Annual HOA Expense: $2,268Annual Taxes: $1,746Annual Insurance: $1,674My concern with the numbers above is depending on capital expenditure projects and vacancy, we may not be able to cashflow.

Plus any state taxes.

Facts to consider: The condo is in my husbands name, has been for about 5 years so the capital gains taxes would be ours to pay upon sale.

With a $60/mo HOA(external maintenance not included with the exception of fencing) and 6.5% interest rate, my monthly mortgage (with taxes, insurance, HOA, etc)  will be around 2600/mo.

Here are some options and considerations:Loan Against Equity/ETFs:Margin Loans:Description: Margin loans allow you to borrow money using your investments (such as stocks or ETFs) as collateral.Pros:You retain ownership of your investments.Generally quick access to funds.Interest rates can be relatively low compared to other types of loans.Cons:Your investments are used as collateral, so if their value declines significantly, you may face a margin call (requiring additional funds or securities).Interest rates can vary and may be higher than traditional loans depending on the lender and your creditworthiness.Securities-Based Line of Credit (SBLOC):Description: Similar to margin loans, SBLOCs use your securities (stocks, ETFs) as collateral, but they typically provide more flexibility and may not trigger margin calls as easily.Pros:Allows for ongoing access to funds as long as your collateral remains sufficient.Interest rates may be competitive.Cons:Similar risks of potential margin calls if the value of your securities drops significantly.Terms and interest rates can vary widely among lenders.Comparison with 401(k) Loans:401(k) Loans:Description: Borrowing from your 401(k) allows you to access funds without selling investments, using your retirement savings as collateral.Pros:Typically low interest rates.No credit check required.Interest paid on the loan goes back into your 401(k) account.Cons:Usually capped at a percentage of your vested balance (commonly up to 50% or $50,000).If you leave your job, the loan may need to be repaid immediately or could be considered a taxable distribution.Potential opportunity cost of missing out on market gains if funds are withdrawn from investments.Other Alternatives:Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC):Description: If you own a home with equity, a HELOC allows you to borrow against that equity at typically lower interest rates than unsecured loans.Pros:Lower interest rates compared to other types of loans.Interest may be tax-deductible if used for home improvements (consult a tax advisor).Cons:Your home serves as collateral, so failure to repay could result in foreclosure.Personal Loans:Description: Unsecured personal loans can be used for various purposes, including investing, but typically have higher interest rates than loans secured by collateral.Pros:No collateral required.Funds can be used for any purpose.Cons:Higher interest rates and stricter eligibility criteria based on creditworthiness.I am a loan officer and we do some of the loans stated above.

Hi, I have some questions about how to calculate property tax?

That has less to do with crime (in the area that I live I don't see it as a big issue) and more to do with taxes and tenant-friendly laws.For any area that is higher crime, you should budget for higher vacancy (and significantly higher vacancy if you don't set tight screening standards and have to evict a tenant) and higher repairs and maintenance.Good luck!

Best part is that they would have VA's with different experiences and budget based off how long the VA has been doing property management.Feel free to DM me if you need any help or if you have plans on scaling using VA's.