Have you ever thought to yourself, “I wish I had bought Microsoft a couple of years ago,  when it was so cheap?”, Well this may be one of those times in Real Estate.  Many investment  gurus say this is one of the best times in 30 years to begin assembling a rental real estate  portfolio. Even if prices drop more during the next 12 months – today’s interest rates may  not be around when prices finally flatten out. As attractive as market opportunities may be, there are lots of pitfalls for investors, and yesterday, Rich and Steve Tetzner from Homestar Mortgage  talked  with local investor Rick Cohn. Rick bought his first 4-unit in 1979 and he has been a full time real estate investor since 1985, so he is no  stranger to the type of market we’re in today.

Rick gets a little creative when seaching for new investments, he can spot an abandoned property from 8 blocks away, and is always on the look out for investment opportunities. He feels that the long term appreciation of Real Estate is the key to wealth, although  there is something to the fipping strategy, in this climate,  rick warned, you will  need to purchase a property at at least 70% below market , plus costs for renovations, for the numbers to work.

Rick also can get a little creative with financing, lenders are getting more stringent in their standards, so Rick often seeks out those properties that offer owner financing, and can also turn to private lenders. There is often a premium involved in private lending, but if you figure that into your costs, you can still make a profit.

Rick is also the president of the Rhode Island Real Estate Investor Group. A great place for investors to meet up, talk strategies, and make connections that can help them with their real estate investing. The real value to a club like this  is what takes place before and after the meeting – networking

This Week’s Real Estate Insight:
Investing  in Real Estate isn’t gambling. There will always be risks, but if you are informed about the possible pitfalls, the odds will be in your favor. Do your “due dilligence”,  and learn from your mistakes.
 

Listen to the entire show with Rich Epstein and Rick Cohn