Our Journey in Real Estate Investing

A Quick Recap
from buying our first property to generating income

VisionRE Ventures - From Vision to Reality
VisionRE Ventures - From Vision to Reality
small cozy living room decorated to efficiently utilize space and provide comfort for guests
small cozy living room decorated to efficiently utilize space and provide comfort for guests

Cozy Condominium in Sunny California

Our journey in real estate investing began with buying a short sale condo as a primary residence with no intention of becoming landlords. When our family outgrew the space, we renovated it to rent and eventually sold it to invest in other properties.

When moving out of your primary residence, renting it out can be an advantageous alternative to selling. This approach allows you to maintain ownership of the property while generating a steady stream of income from tenants. By becoming a landlord, you can potentially benefit from property appreciation over time, ensuring that your investment grows even as you transition to a new living situation. Additionally, renting can provide financial stability, especially in uncertain economic times. It’s essential, however, to conduct thorough research on local rental markets and tenant rights, ensuring that you're well-prepared for the responsibilities that come with managing a rental property. By thoughtfully approaching this new venture, you can turn the departure from your home into a promising opportunity.

large living/dining area with elegant spiral staircase
large living/dining area with elegant spiral staircase

Spacious Home for a Growing Family

With a couple new additions to our family, we needed a bigger space to call home. Although it wasn't our forever home, it was a stepping stone on our journey to finding our forever home.

Buying a starter home before transitioning to your forever home offers numerous advantages. First, it provides a more manageable financial commitment, allowing you to enter the housing market with lower down payments and monthly payments. This initial investment can help build equity over time while giving you the opportunity to learn about maintenance and homeownership without the pressure of a larger investment. Additionally, starter homes often come in affordable neighborhoods, which can be perfect for establishing a sense of community and understanding local market dynamics. As you live in your starter home, you can assess your needs and preferences, making it easier to choose a forever home that truly aligns with your lifestyle and future plans. Overall, this gradual approach provides valuable experience and financial stability, setting the stage for a more informed and satisfying home-buying journey.

elegant living and dining area with easy access to an entertainer's backyard
elegant living and dining area with easy access to an entertainer's backyard

Elegant Home in an Area Poised for Appreciation

A home adjacent to a highly desirable area with great schools is bound to appreciate over the years. Although a more expensive purchase for a single family home, its value more than doubled in 8 years.

Investing in property sometimes involves a mindset shift, where appreciation takes precedence over immediate cash flow. Many investors understand that real estate can be a long-term wealth-building strategy, with the potential for property values to rise significantly over time. This appreciation can result from various factors such as market demand, urban development, and improvements in the local community. By focusing on properties that are likely to appreciate, you can benefit from substantial returns once you decide to sell or leverage your investment. While cash flow is undeniably important, the promise of appreciating assets can make real estate an attractive avenue for those looking to build lasting wealth and a secure financial future. In this way, the appreciation aspect often becomes a key driver for investment decisions in the property market.

Turn of the century quadplex built in the 1890s
Turn of the century quadplex built in the 1890s

Turn of the Century Quadplex near Downtown

This quadplex was our first multifamily acquisition and outside of our home state. Being remote landlords has its challenges, but the key is to have systems set up to make managing properties easier.

Investing in properties outside your home state, particularly in areas with a lower cost of living, can yield significant benefits. One of the primary advantages is the potential for higher returns on investment, as these markets often feature more affordable property prices and favorable rental yields. Additionally, diversifying your investment portfolio geographically can mitigate risks associated with economic downturns in your local area. Lower living costs can also attract a steady influx of renters, further enhancing your cash flow. Furthermore, investing in these regions allows for the potential appreciation of property values over time, providing long-term financial growth. Overall, targeting investment properties in economically viable, lower-cost locales offers a strategic pathway to building wealth and achieving financial security.

a multifamily complex in a snow blanketed state
a multifamily complex in a snow blanketed state

Small Town 8-unit Complex 20 Minutes Outside a Major City

The town where this complex is located has a population of less than 800 people but is a close 20 minutes from the most populous city in the state.

Investing in rental properties in a small town outside a major city offers numerous advantages for savvy investors. These locations often feature lower property prices compared to urban centers, allowing for a more affordable entry point. Additionally, small towns frequently provide a sense of community and lower competition in the rental market, which can lead to higher tenant retention rates. The demand for rental properties in these areas can be bolstered by local amenities and the appeal of a quieter lifestyle, attracting families and professionals looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. And owning rental properties in a small town often translates to less regulatory red tape and lower property taxes, enhancing the overall profitability of the investment. Thus, considering these factors, small towns can be an ideal choice for building a successful rental portfolio.

a living room filled with furniture and a large window
a living room filled with furniture and a large window

Bright Airy Condo with Instant Equity

Offering a no-hassle closing with no agent commissions resulted in a purchase price that gave us instant equity. The appreciation over the last 5 years also made this a smart investment.

Instant equity refers to the immediate increase in value that occurs when you purchase a property for less than its market value or when you make improvements to the property. This concept is particularly beneficial as it allows you to build wealth quickly and leverage your investment effectively. By purchasing a property at a lower price or adding value through renovations, you can enjoy a significant return on investment right from the outset. Instant equity not only enhances your net worth but also provides potential financing options, enabling you to reinvest or expand your portfolio. Ultimately, this strategy can accelerate wealth accumulation and provide a safety net against market fluctuations, making it an attractive option for savvy investors looking to maximize their financial growth.

32 Units a Mile from the State's Largest University

This 32 unit purchase is spread across 4 adjacent buildings located a short 20 minute walk from a university that enrolls over 15,000 students and employs over 2,800 staff a year. After renovations, these properties produce great cash flow.

Investing in rental property near a large university offers numerous advantages. The consistent influx of students seeking housing creates a steady demand for rentals, ensuring reliable occupancy rates. Properties in proximity to the university often experience higher rental yields, given the premium many students are willing to pay for convenience and accessibility. Additionally, the robust local economy supported by a vibrant student population can lead to property value appreciation over time. Investors can also benefit from lower vacancy rates, as universities attract a diverse demographic of students year after year. Overall, purchasing rental property near a major university can be a lucrative venture that capitalizes on the continual demand for quality housing in an academic hub.

Almost 10,000 Square Feet Building with Potential for More Units

Currently built out with 8 units, the size of this building offers potential for additional units with a more efficient floor plan to increase cash flow.

A large building with potential to add units presents a remarkable opportunity for expansion and increased revenue. The existing size allows for the possibility of adding more units, especially by implementing a more efficient floor plan. By optimizing the space, not only can the cash flow be significantly enhanced, but the overall value of the property could also see a substantial increase. Investors and developers looking for a promising project will find such a building particularly appealing, as it combines the potential for immediate income with future growth prospects. The strategic design adjustments could maximize occupancy and profitability, making it a lucrative addition to any real estate portfolio.