Category Archives: Investment Strategy

Why Can’t I Finance Another Residence and Rent My ‘Under-Water’ Home?

Mostly it’s probably because of a strategy called ‘buy and bail’. Some borrowers with good credit have qualified for a second loan by proposing to rent out their existing residence. They close the loan on the new purchase and then walk away from their current residence often not even renting it out. Some borrowers stop

How Do I Estimate ROI When Considering A Condo vs. A SFR?

The comparison on the rate of return between the condo and single family dwelling is based on the amount of cash that the investor uses to acquire the property. For instance if an investor paid $47,000.00 cash for a condo compared to $60,000.00 down for a $200,000.00 single family dwelling. The after expense and before

How Do I Best Take Advantage of Rental Demand?

Owners of distressed properties will be filling out rental applications for the next couple of years. I am not sure about the number of vacant properties but I do know that 10 million is in the ballpark. An abandoned property that hasn’t yet been foreclosed on is virtually in limbo. As an “out of service”

What Areas and Price Ranges Do You Think Are Best Values?

Real estate right now could be considered under valued for a variety of reasons. The main reason from my perspective is that one can still buy existing homes, industrial, commercial and other buildings for far less than it would cost to construct them today. I like the way you are thinking. Not unlike stock, it’s

Can The Lender Go After My Retirement Funds?

Retirement accounts are protected in California. Talk to your tax or real estate attorney. They can write a letter addressed to your lender stating that your savings is in a protected retirement account. This should be adequate. Lenders are doing everything they can to minimize their losses.

Is It Possible To Invest Retirement Money In Real Estate?

Yes it is true. Anyone can buy real estate with IRA money if they open a “self directed” IRA account. Then you can make your own decisions regarding where your money is invested. Those investments can include real estate. According to Uranga Associates, an IRA real estate company, there is approximately 10 trillion dollars invested

Is It Always a Lot of Work Maintaining Rentals?

Investors purchase properties expecting a return on their investment. The return can be from rents, appreciation or adding value like you did by fixing up the property. The value added to a property through rehabilitation is generally more immediate and over time can have a much higher rate of return. I don’t understand why you

Just What is ‘ROI’

It works like this: If you pay $1,000,000 cash for an apartment building that had annual rents of $60,000.00 and expenses of $30,000, your annual income is $30,000.00, or a ROI of 3%. The question is whether a 3% return meets your needs. You should compare this rate of return with other investment opportunities. When

What Price Range is Best to Build for in Auburn?

It is a smart question for all builders to ask. I can’t make recommendations about what to build. I can only give you market data that will help you decide for yourself. Bear in mind that markets change, and I know how long it takes from planning to completion, so keep your eye on the