In 2024 we bought two homes - a duplex rental in Utah and a primary residence in Santa Cruz County, California.

Starting with one property is a smart way to learn the ropes, and as you grow, networking with local agents and other investors can be invaluable.

Squatters are a real problem nationally and a study found that they target not only vacant properties but those advertised for rent or sale that offer 'immediate occupancy.' 

Hello Mike, Syracuse and surrounding area is benefitting from an influx of tech companies and a huge chip manufacturing company, Micron, which is building a $100 billion fab over the next 20 years. 

Here are key adjustments:Kitchen ($50k): Likely $60k-$70k for custom cabinetry, quartz, and premium appliances.Bathrooms ($40k): Expect closer to $50k-$60k for four bathrooms with high-end finishes.Flooring ($20k): Likely $25k-$30k for engineered hardwood, refinishing, and tile.Exterior ($12k): More realistically $15k-$18k with landscaping and a quality front door.Misc.

It’s taken a lot of work, and a lot of lessons learned.

As noted above, a cash deal with all capital liquid in an account today is going to be taken much more seriously than a financed deal or a syndicated deal.  10% EM hard at contract signing and a 45 day close with no extensions will be taken more seriously than 3% EM hard after 30 days, with a 60 day close and 2x 30 day extensions.  

This gives you flexibility and a clearer understanding of how you’ll proceed based on market changes.

A few days before the sale the frame farm house was burnt to the ground and all that was left was the standing brick chimney and a lage pile of ashes. 

Here's the breakdown:Financing: We used a seller carry deal with 25% down ($100k), a 30-year term (balloon in 10 years), and a 4.68% interest rate.