Bigger Pockets: 7 Daily Step to a Real Estate Empire

I firmly believe that the most practical way to wealth for the majority of people is real estate. How do we get there? Bigger Pockets offers a few tips.

It can be really tough to get started, from raising the needed capital to finding the right deals. There are options, though, from low money down owner occupant loans to no money down VA loans.

Call, text, or email me and let’s talk options!

Rob @ 719-440-6626 or robthompsonrealtor@gmail.com

From the inbox: do I have to use (a military affiliated bank) to get a VA loan?

Short answer: no.

Longer answer: the VA loan is actually a Veteran’s Administration guarantee on a home loan. It allows a military member to buy a home with no money down and avoid Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI). PMI is insurance on a loan; in the case of a VA loan, the VA is the insurer. Further, most lenders can do VA home loans; you are not locked into using a specific bank or lender. It’s your entitlement and prerogative to compare interest rates and closing costs.

Looking for a lender? Give me a call and we can talk options.

Call Rob @ 719-440-6626 or email robthompsonrealtor@gmail.com

Listing Thursday — 890 S Pulpit Rock S — $225K

This 3 bedroom rancher has an open floor plan, stunning view and a TON of potential! Located near Woodmen and I-25, listing for $225K – this one will go fast! Call Rob @ 719-440-6626 or email robthompsonrealtor@gmail.com.

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From the inbox: What’s a good source that gives me a general rundown on real estate investing?

Good question! This question is a follow on from this post “you mention ‘cash flow’ investing….”

Probably the best general rundown I can recommend as a good starting point is this podcast from Bigger Pockets: The Ultimate Beginner’s Podcast for Real Estate Investors. I am a huge fan of these podcasts and this forum has helped me personally prepare for my investment journey.

From the inbox: you mention “cash flow” investing in rentals a lot, what does that mean?

Good question! In our city, we have somewhere around a 96% occupancy rate for rentals (I have heard it quoted as -1% but haven’t been able to validate that yet). This represents a great opportunity to invest in ‘income’ property here (I hope to buy at least one quadplex personally soon).

When I mention “cash flow,” I am specifically talking about the difference between the mortgage on a home and the rent it brings in. For example, a 3 bedroom, 2 bath home in Colorado Springs rents for – on average – $1100. What if you could buy that home with a mortgage of around $800 taxes and insurance included, then rent it out? The spread would be $300. Assuming a $20,000 downpayment, the ROI (Return on Investment) would be 5.5% a year gross. That’s MUCH better than a checking or savings account generates.

What if I don’t have $20K, you may be saying? That’s okay; there are other options from owner occupied quadplexes to partnerships and more.

Questions? Email me at robthompsonrealtor@gmail.com or call 719-440-6626.

Also, check out Bigger Pockets “Buying Rental Property.”

Know your rights: Colorado Springs Fair Housing Information

I get a lot of requests for information on tenant and landlord rights.

image from pixabay
image from pixabay

Knowing your rights and obligations is critically important in protecting the same!

For your reference, here is the Colorado Springs Fair Housing Information brochure!

This is not legal advice.  Always consult an attorney before taking action.