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Buy and Hold Success Story – $50k Investment – $47k Return

Back in 2013, one of our investors bought their first San Antonio investment proeprty: a $50,000 buy and hold deal a few miles north of downtown San Antonio.

This was a point in the market when we did not have to do much rehab on our San Antonio investment properties. He picked up this house for a bit under $50,000 and cleaned it up with a broom and got rid of the trash. The total investment was $50,000.

At my recommendation, he did a seller finance deal on this San Antonio fixer-upper, under market value property with the following terms:

  • $50,000 cash purchase
  • $80,000 owner finance price
  • Zero rehab by investor
  • $806 per month
  • 14% ROI
hollywoodBefore Rehab – $50,000 cash purchase, zero rehab by investor, 90 DOM, resold for $80,000 owner finance, $804 per month, 14% ROI.
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After rehab, completed entirely by end buyer.

The owner of the property did a fantastic job on rehabbing it, as you can see by the pictures. But that is not the end of the story on this San Antonio investment property!

More Pictures After Rehab:

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In August 2016, the owner of the property decided to cash out the investor. She paid him off with the proceeds of the sale of one of HER investment properties.

She paid him a sum of approximately $75,000, which is what was left on the mortgage. So, not only did he make $25,000 on the sale of the property, he also made approximately $22,000 in payments over 2.5 years! He made a total return of $47,000 on his $50,000 investment!

Now that is a fantastic San Antonio investment property return!

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Why Some Investors Are Flipping in Austin and Buying and Holding in San Antonio

Forbes magazine recently had another one of its Best Real Estate Investing Cities list, and Texas did very well. Austin was listed as the #1 city to invest in, and San Antonio real estate investing came in at #3. Houston, Dallas and Ft. Worth also made the top 10 list.

Some real estate investors have been pulling out of the Austin market, however, due to the high costs of real estate there. Forbes magazine gives us a clue why: The gross metro product for that city grew 24% from 2011 until the end of 2015, but houses there appreciated by 34%. 

Meanwhile, the average home price in Austin was $334,000 in 2015. So clearly real estate prices are seriously on the rise in Austin. That’s why many investors call me up and are looking for San Antonio investment properties. San Antonio real estate properties are much cheaper; you still can buy a good affordable fixer upper in San Antonio for $45k to $50k.  And the average home price here is about $210,000.

Given how much cheaper houses are here, there is lots of interest in San Antonio investment properties. However, you should note that days on market is longer in San Antonio than Austin. So what some investors who are interested in flipping under market value properties are doing is doing a flip or two in Austin and then doing buy and hold in San Antonio.

As a San Antonio property wholesaler, I have flipped many properties in San Antonio TX over the years, but in this current market, we are seeing profits on our flips of $7k to $10k. And days on market can be 90 or 120 days. For that reason, I am not strongly seeking out fix and flip investors at this time. I will do them for the right property and right investor, especially if the investor has the cash to do 4-5 at once. That way, both of us can make a good profit. Also, if you are a patient investor, then a San Antonio flip can work well. Just do not expect a house to sell in 20 days like in Austin.

I think the flipping market will get better in San Antonio once the market slows down in the next year or two.

So I have some investors flipping in Austin, and once they have 100k or 200k, they buy and hold in San Antonio with one of our $50k San Antonio fixer uppers:

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    • Address: 1723 W Ashby Pl  San Antonio, TX 78201.
    • Year Built: 1925
    • Description:  Under market value property, investors dream north of downtown, 3 beds 1 bath, 1000 sqft, built: 1925, lot size: .19 acres, yearly taxes: $1,700.00, estimated yearly insurance: $800.00; estimated repairs: 50k in repairs to flip, includes new HVAC, updated kitchen/bath, flooring, paint in/out, exterior skirt, appliances, plumbing/electric up to code, paint out door storage exterior, trash, lawn maintenance.
    • Max After Repair Value: $125,000.00
    • Cash Price: $65,000.
    • Exit Strategy: Owner Finance with 35K repairs: 5-10k down or more, ~$1295.00 monthly P/I, 30 year amortization, 10% interest.
    • Or 15K rehab, new HVAC, paint in/out, kitchen/bath repairs,  then FSBO at 105K, 10% interest, $1095 monthly PI/TI, 30 year amortization.
    • Alternate Exit Strategy: Flip with $50k in repairs. $8000 to $10000 profit.

I made the vast majority of my money in San Antonio real estate investing in buy and hold over the long term. Buy and hold in San Antonio is always a good deal because affordable homes seldom rise above 75k.

 

 

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Why I Buy and Hold Investment Properties with ‘Foundation Problems’

Most San Antonio real estate investors are afraid of ‘foundation problems’ on their fixer upper properties. I understand why that is:

A serious foundation issue on a property can kill the profits on a buy and hold deal. If you have a $25,000 budget to rehab a San Antonio wholesale property, a $10,000 foundation repair can turn it into a negative cash flow situation.

However, one of my millionaire mentors in real estate investing taught me many years ago to not usually worry about foundation problems on buy and hold investments. Actually, I tend to be attracted these days to foundation problems.

The reason? Because most other investors are scared of foundation issues and the competition for these distressed properties is lower. Meanwhile, if you try to buy an old fixer upper for $50k in San Antonio with no foundation problems, you will probably be fighting off a lot of investor competition, which drives up the price.

By buying a foundation problem fixer upper, you often find that you can get the house 5k cheaper, which you can then put into fixing the foundation.

When I am looking at San Antonio wholesale property to buy, I keep these ideas in mind about the foundation:

  • Uneven floor is not a big problem in an old house in San Antonio

Most of the buyers of my properties are accustomed to being in a house with a foundation that is not perfect, so a floor that slopes a bit is not a deal killer.

Some investors in San Antonio will see that minor sloping floor and freak out. However, my experience with the houses I buy between 1900 and 1950 usually have a somewhat uneven floor with a pier and beam foundation.

This can be caused by rotting floor joists, ground settling over the decades or shoddy construction.

When I do my inspection, I usually get under the house and see how serious the problem looks. For many of the houses I buy, all that needs to be done is to replace some floor joists for a few thousand dollars.

It is unusual for me to buy a pier and beam foundation house in San Antonio that needs more than 5k of repairs.

  • Wholesale prices on foundation work

Going to a regular foundation contractor could leave you with a deal busting foundation bill. I have workers who can fix a foundation for half of that price. This includes permits and the engineering report.

That’s why it may be a good idea for you to work with an experienced investor who has the network to get a foundation repaired affordably.

  • Foundation problems can mean profits

I have bought houses for $25k that had foundation problems, but all they needed was about $3000 in repairs for the foundation. On one of these deals, I fixed the foundation and sold it to an investor for a 5k profit.

She then did 5k more in repairs and owner financed that 25k house for $50k and $550 per month. She is making 14% a year on that deal.

All on an under market value San Antonio investment  property with a foundation problem.

So, don’t always be afraid of dealing with a foundation issue; it can turn out to not be a deal breaker, especially if you work with an expert investor who can help you do repairs affordably.

 

 

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My Best Tips for Successful Buy and Hold Investing in San Antonio

Investing in under market real estate in San Antonio has treated me well over the years. I firmly believe that investing in under market value fixer upper San Antonio properties for the long term is the best way to enjoy long term cash flow.

If you are on the fence and are about to dive into buy and hold investing, I have some simple tips to share, as a successful San Antonio property wholesaler:

  • Work with a real estate agent and investor

Most real estate agents just represent people who are buying or selling their personal residence at retail prices. The majority of agents do not invest in real estate themselves, so they are often unable to help you find a good under market value fixer upper that will produce good positive cash flow.

It can help to become an agent yourself so you can source your own deals, but it’s not essential at first.

  • Cash flow!

You need to get a San Antonio wholesale property under market value enough so that when you do the repairs and collect rent from the tenant, you will have enough to cover all of your expenses. These usually include mortgage, taxes, insurance, repairs and vacancies.

Right now, the San Antonio real estate market is pretty hot, and good fixer upper deals for affordable homes are harder to find. This is why working with a highly experienced real estate agent and investor is so important: She can help you find a good under market value deal that can produce cash flow. Also, if you work with an experienced investor agent, she will probably have a good rehab crew that can do the fix up work at a fair price.

Here is a nice wholesale property deal in San Antonio I just found that will produce $1150 per month in rental cash flow:

Front

Address: 126 E Dullnig Ct., San Antonio, TX 78223
Year Built: 1919
Description: Major cash flow on this San Antonio fixer upper distressed property – 4 beds 1 bath, 1100 sqft, two large storage units in the back, Lot Size: .19 acres, Yearly taxes: $1,600.00, Estimated yearly insurance $700.00, Estimated repairs: 30K, includes interior paint, electrical/plumbing up to code, landscape, trash removal, kitchen/bath updates, central HVAC, flooring, 2 room conversations, foundation/roof repairs.
Max ARV: $109-$115k

Cash Price: $55,000

If you do that San Antonio distressed property all cash, you should have about $700 left for positive cash flow – not bad! – after expenses.

  • Due diligence

You need to carefully consider if the wholesale property you want to buy will generate the cash flow you want.

A very common error for new fixer upper investors is to overdo the rehab or not be aware of all the things that have to be fixed.

  • Only invest if the cash flow is there

I never buy an under market value property based upon what I think the value of the house will be in a few years. That is real estate speculation and that is a great way to end up in the poor house. If after I run the numbers – property cost, rehab cost, all expenses – I generate positive cash flow of a few hundred dollars, I do the deal.

  • Don’t forget repairs and vacancies

I like to account for at least $50 per month for repairs on my fixer upper deals in San Antonio. Also, plan on a 5% loss for vacancies. However, I often do San Antonio Section 8 rentals, and I find that this type of rental income is quite solid and safe; I have Section 8 tenants who have been with me for 5 years or more.

Above all, after you find a good potential under market value property that will produce positive cash flow, do the deal. Don’t sit around thinking about it too long or you may never take action. Many people think about investing in San Antonio wholesale property, but the majority never do a deal because of fear.

If you do your due diligence as I outline, there should be no reason to not move forward on that property!

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San Antonio TX Economy Still Strong, Even With Oil and Gas Slowdown

Personal income growth since 2011 in Texas ranks #2 in the US, with only North Dakota ahead. Some San Antonio real estate investors think that crashing oil and natural gas prices would have slowed down the Texas economy, but the Lone Star State continues to do well. And San Antonio buy and hold properties continue to sell and rise in value.

Note: I don’t personally worry much about what the economy does in San Antonio anyway. In the 2007-9 crash, I bought and sold $2 million in real estate and still had my San Antonio buy and hold houses rented out with no problem. San Antonio affordable homes are always in demand. 

Economic experts in Texas this month stated that several areas of the Texas and San Antonio economies continue to keep job growth going and wages rising. For example, health care is very strong, and San Antonio has a very strong military presence with several Air Force and Army bases.

Even with low oil prices, Texas still created 1.7 million jobs from 2010-15, which is the best in the US. In the same time frame, the entire US economy lost 400,000 jobs.

The oil and gas slow down has had some impact in Houston, but San Antonio is continuing to see low unemployment and wage growth. San Antonio is seeing economic growth in the 3-4% range.

Even though oil prices are low for the time being, research shows that oil production has only dropped marginally in Texas. There are 2.5 million barrels per day produced in this state, down from 2.8 million two years ago. The small production decrease has come even though there are only 200 or so active rigs in the state, which is down from 900 two years ago.

This means good news for San Antonio buy and hold investors, and San Antonio flip investors. I continue to buy and sell real estate investments, although the prices are up 20% from two years ago.

I recommend doing Section 8 rental property for a good San Antonio buy and hold investment, as the rental market is very strong:

Front

  • Address: 804 S San Eduardo Ave, San  Antonio, TX
  • Year Built: 1949
  • Description: Fixer upper, under market value 4 beds 1 bath, 816 sqft, built: 1949, lot size: .1 acres, yearly taxes: $1,200.00, estimated yearly insurance: $750,
  • Estimated Repairs: 30K, roof, central hvac, windows, plumbing, electrical, kitchen/bath update, interior/exterior finish.
  • Cash Price: $48,000
  • Exit Strategies: Rent San Antonio investment property with 30K in repairs: $1,095.00 with section 8, no need to chase the monthly payment, San Antonio Housing Authority pays direct deposit to your account.
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5 Simple Tips for Better High Cash Flow Investment Properties

The San Antonio real estate market is quite hot in 2016, and I am seeing many new San Antonio real estate investors trying to get into the game.

If you want to get rolling in San Antonio buy and hold or flip properties, there are a few things that I can advise that will maximize your chances of great cash flow success!

  • Focus on the type of investing you want to do. Many newer real estate investors want to get involved in too many types of real estate investing in San Antonio. Lack of focus can lead to problems, as you never really become an expert in any particular area. My focus as a San Antonio real estate investor and licensed agent is on affordable, under market value single family homes. I buy San Antonio fixer uppers for $50,000, do $20,000 in rehab, and either owner finance them or rent them out section 8.

I advise focusing on buying and holding investment properties over the long term for the most part. Flipping San Antonio houses is fine for building capital, but flipping carries more risk, and there is no way of telling when that house will sell.

I can usually rent out a house section 8 in 30 days for good San Antonio real estate cash flow, or sell with owner financing in 30-60 days.

  • Work with experienced investors and partners. Real estate investing groups in San Antonio and elsewhere are full of people who talk a good game but have actually done very few deals. I strongly advise that you partner with a San Antonio real estate investor who has done several hundred deals, and ideally, is a licensed real estate agent. That way he can offer you under market value properties that have a good chance of producing positive cash flow. I’m happy to mentor new San Antonio real estate investors – who have capital to invest in buy and hold real estate. Note, you can buy a fixer upper from 100 San Antonio property wholesalers, but how many of them have built a portfolio of investment properties themselves? I have.
  • Buy in the right location. As an experienced San Antonio buy and hold investor, I typically buy a bit north of downtown, west of downtown, and south of downtown. I buy in up and coming areas, on the edge of more expensive neighborhoods. This is a great buy and hold deal in such an area for just $45,000.
  • Get finances in order. To get rolling in buy and hold real estate investing, you want to have at least $50,000 in the bank for investing in San Antonio in 2016. This could change as the market changes over time, but $50,000 is a good rule of thumb. It helps if you have good credit as well so that you can put 20% down on a rental property, rehab it, and then rent section 8.
  • Build a strong real estate investing team. Most new real estate investors try to go it alone and that is tough. To be successful in buy and hold real estate investing, you want to work with an expert real estate investor, a real estate agent who invests himself, a good property manager, full time construction crew, lenders, attorney and CPA. The better your team, the more chances you will be successful. I have my team in place and will help serious investors to invest in San Antonio real estate, if you have capital:).
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SOLD – 4907 Waycross Ln., San Antonio, Texas 78220

Front

Address: 4907 Waycross Ln., San Antonio, Texas 78220-1840
Year Built: 1971
Description: Under market value fixer upper 4 beds 2 bath, 1078 sqft,  lot size: .13 acres, yearly taxes: $1,200.00, estimated insurance: $750.00, estimated repairs: 30K; central hvac, flooring, update kitchen/bath, roof, interior/exterior finish.
Price: $49,000 Cash
ARV: 109-115K
Exit Strategy:

  • Owner Finance with 30K repairs: 5k down, $1,095.00 monthly P/I, 30 year amortization, 10% interest, Price: 109k
  • Rent with 30K in repairs: $1,095.00 with section 8, no need to chase the monthly payment, San Antonio Housing Authority pays direct deposit to your account.

Contact us for questions or to make offer.

Comps: rental comps 4907 way cross ln sold comps 4907 way cross ln
More Photos:
Back Bath Bed 1 bed 2 Bed 3 Bed 4 Kitchen Living_Dining

 

 

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SOLD – 804 S San Eduardo Ave, San Antonio TX

Front

  • Address: 804 S San Eduardo Ave, San  Antonio, TX
  • Year Built: 1949
  • Description: Fixer upper, under market value 4 beds 1 bath, 816 sqft, built: 1949, lot size: .1 acres, yearly taxes: $1,200.00, estimated yearly insurance: $750,
  • Estimated Repairs: 30K, roof, central hvac, windows, plumbing, electrical, kitchen/bath update, interior/exterior finish.
  • Cash Price: $48,000
  • Exit Strategies: Rent San Antonio investment property with 30K in repairs: $1,095.00 with section 8, no need to chase the monthly payment, San Antonio Housing Authority pays direct deposit to your account.
  • Owner Finance with 30K repairs: 5k down, $995.00-$1,095.00 monthly P/I, 30 year amortization, 10% interest, Price: 99K-109k
  • Contact us for more information or to make offer.
  • Property Analysis, Sold and Rental Comps: Rental Comps 804 S San Eduardo Ave Sold Comps 804 S San Eduardo Ave

More Images of this San Antonio fixer upper:

Back Bath Bed 1 bed 2 bed 3 bed 4 Kitchen Living room

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SOLD – 804 Virginia Blvd, San Antonio, TX 78203

Front

    • Address: 804 Virginia Blvd, San Antonio, TX 78203
    • Year Built: 1900
    • Description: Act fast – hot market and low under market value price! Serious cash flow on this San Antonio fixer upper! San Antonio wholesale property has 3 beds 1 bath, 900 sqft, built: 1900, Lot Size: .07 acres, Yearly taxes: $1,000.00, Estimated yearly insurance $600.00,
    • Estimated Repairs: includes interior paint, plumbing up to code, /bath updates,  Max ARV: 99K.
    • Cash Price: $45,000
    • Alternate Exit Strategy: Rent with 25K in repairs: $995.00 with section 8, no need to chase the monthly payment, San Antonio Housing Authority pays direct deposit to your account.
    • Contact us for more information or to make offer.
    • Property Analysis, Sold and Rental Comps: Prop Anal 804 Virginia Blvd, Rental Comps 804 Virginia Blvd, Sold Comps 804 Virginia Blvd

More Pictures of this San Antonio fixer upper:

Back Bath Bed 1 bed 2 Kitchen Living Master bed Shower

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Should I Flip or Buy and Hold? Yes!

People often ask me as a top San Antonio property wholesaler if it is better to flip or buy and hold? My answer is an emphatic ‘yes!’ Of course, it is a complex question and which type of real estate investment strategy you are going to focus on right now depends upon many factors.

When I first started as a San Antonio investment property investor, I focused mostly of flipping San Antonio houses. There was a good reason for that: I didn’t have much money! I found $2 million worth of private money and flipped 50 houses in my first year.

Many real estate investors like to focus their careers on flipping properties because they can (in theory) get their profits quickly and have their money tied up for as little time as possible. Another benefit of flipping is that it does not have the property management and long term holding costs that buy and hold investments have.

However, I am of the strong opinion that flipping San Antonio properties should be a short-term tactical strategy…like what I did when I started my investing career. Flipping a bunch of San Antonio properties was a means to an end: so that I could buy and hold a large portfolio of rental and owner financed properties.

Flipping Is Getting Tougher in San Antonio

I talk every week to investors who simply want to flip houses all the time. Or, they want to flip 5-10 houses per year, make $10,000 each, and eventually get into buy and hold real estate.

That is a viable strategy…..sometimes. However, the San Antonio real estate market continues to go up in value in 2016, and finding under market value properties in the 50-100k range (let alone the 100k+ range) that can be flipped for significant profit ($5000 or more) is getting tough.

In fact, it is getting so tough that last week I turned away three potential investors with more than $100,000 each to invest. I do not like turning away investors with six figures to invest in San Antonio real estate, but they wanted to only do flips.

As I have pointed out, flipping is hard to do profitably in this rising market now. Also, material costs have risen significantly due to the stronger economy.

Be Flexible!

There is nothing wrong with flipping houses, just as there is nothing wrong with buying and holding real estate. My best advice to many real estate investors is this: Be flexible in your investing strategy!

Many real estate investors limit their profits and ultimate success because they get stuck on one type of investing strategy no matter the market.

Personally, I strongly believe in buy and hold long term for wealth creation, but I’ll do flips in the right market if they are profitable.

In my expert opinion, the current San Antonio real estate market is best for buying and holding real estate.

As the market here is changing, I am no longer recommending that people flip properties with me.

I am focusing mostly on buying and holding with owner finance, AND with section 8 rental property.

Why Section 8?

Section 8 gets a bad reputation in some quarters. I love Section 8! Consider:

  • You get a guaranteed electronic rental payment monthly
  • The rent is usually higher than market rates
  • The renter needs to take care of the house to keep their voucher each year
  • The GoSection8.com website makes marketing a breeze.

Naturally, I have to screen my section 8 renters carefully for work history, credit and criminal record, but I find that I can get a property rented in 4-8 weeks. Meanwhile investors can wait six months to flip a house and sell it retail.

Another benefit of buying and holding with section 8 is that you can buy the house cash, rehab it, get it occupied, and then cash out refinance the house and do another rental property. That’s a great deal!

Below is a great little under market value deal that needs only 11k in rehab, and then can be rented section 8:

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    • Address: 820 South San Manuel St., San Antonio TX
    • Year Built: 1950
    • Description: Under market value investment property, three bedroom, one bath that has 928 square feet. Beautiful home with TWO exterior storage units – this is a MAJOR selling point for the end buyer; most buyers are blue collar contractors, and they need their tools to be completely secure.
    • Max After Repair Value: $99,000.
    • Cash Price: $65,000.
    • Exit Strategy: Owner finance this out of state investment property with positive cash flow with only $10,000 in repairs completed in 30 days – $99,000, $900 per month, $5000 down, 30 year note, 10% interest. This San Antonio investment property offers passive cash flow with no maintenance.
    • Alternative Exit Strategy: Buy at $65,000, remodel $11,000, rent $1095 per month.