Phoenix

Phoenix

 

In this desert paradise … demand for rentals is heating up!

 

In the heart of the Sonoran Desert sits the “Valley of the Sun” … and this valley is golden for so many reasons. 

Phoenix consistently ranks as one of the most affordable areas of the United States …

So naturally rents have outpaced national growth since 2016. 

In 2018, rent growth in the greater Phoenix area was more than double the national average … but overall rent prices remained significantly lower than the rest of the country. 

The 2017 tax law changes had far-reaching impacts for Phoenix and the other Sun Belt  states. 

People living in high-tax states on the East and West Coasts used to mitigate tax costs by deducting state and local taxes from their federal income tax. 

With that option removed, those same people are moving to low-tax jurisdictions like Phoenix instead. 

The resulting steady population growth has made Phoenix one of the most popular markets for multifamily investments. 

Demand for rentals is strong and supply is low … so there’s nowhere to go but up!

And since the ‘08 market crash, Phoenix demand and pricing has been doing just that … steadily going up and up. 

Industrial space in the metro area fills up fast, rents are rising in the office sector, vacancy numbers are healthy, and the retail market is BOOMING. 

In 2018, major retailers Costco, Lowe’s, Sprouts, TJ Maxx, and Nordstrom Rack announced plans to build new stores in the metro area. 

The following year, Phoenix saw employment gains at nearly five times the national rate.  Major industries in the area include finance, biomedical, and software development. 

The western part of the valley is a popular location for warehouse and distribution space. Major distribution centers for Dick’s Sporting Goods, SubZero, and REI, Inc. operate from the region. 

The surge in population since 2017 has jumpstarted the revitalization of downtown Phoenix, with revamped buildings housing expansions of University of Arizona and Arizona State University.

When it comes to recreation and entertainment, Phoenix has something for everyone … professional sports teams, national parks, and all-around wonderful weather.

Explore the resources below to discover what opportunities await in this one-of-a-kind desert paradise …

Radio Shows

• Coming Soon!

Reports & Articles

• Coming Soon!

Market Field Trips & Property Tours

• Coming Soon!

Boots-on-the-Ground Teams

• P. J. Hussey & Associates, Inc. – Turnkey SFR, Multi-Family, Property Management, Construction

Clues in The News

• How the City of Phoenix is striving to become one of the most sustainable desert cities in the world – August 5, 2019
• Is Phoenix facing a potential affordable housing crisis? – July 31, 2019
• Solera Health expands its team and space in downtown Phoenix – July 25, 2019
• 2019’s Best & Worst Places to Rent in America – July 23, 2019
• Phoenix office market heats up as city leads U.S. in job growth – July 24, 2019
• Phoenix area named No. 77 most educated nationwide – July 23, 2019
• Verdigris Holdings bringing 210 jobs paying $150K to Valley – July 23, 2019
• Arizona lands $90 million to expand Interstate 17 north of Phoenix – July 22, 2019
• Visitors spent a record amount in Arizona in 2018, tourism office says – July 22, 2019
• Phoenix metro area has suddenly become a hotbed for prep basketball academies – July 19, 2019
• Phoenix overtakes NYC in Top 10 best cities for start-ups – July 18, 2019
• Multifamily Rent Growth Gets Serious – July 18, 2019
• These are the best employers in Arizona, according to Forbes – July 17, 2019
• Phoenix posts highest apartment rent increases nationwide in 2019, report says – July 15, 2019
• Arizona university leaders rank high on national compensation list – July 15, 2019
• Amazon’s $700M plan to retrain employees could benefit Arizona workers – July 15, 2019
• Multifamily Absorption Reaches 5-Year High – July 8, 2019
• A Nike manufacturing plant could bring 500 jobs to metro Phoenix’s west side – July 1, 2019
• Discount carrier Frontier Airlines adding Phoenix-Las Vegas service – June 25, 2019
• Sunbelt States Primed for Multifamily Investment – June 20, 2019
• Kuebix Announces Office in Phoenix, Arizona – May 9, 2019
• Aldi update: The latest on the discount grocery chain’s plans across metro Phoenix – April 12, 2019
• Downtown Phoenix’s Arizona Center: Its history and future development – April 8, 2019
• Home prices make smallest gains in nearly 4 years, but rents are hot – January 16, 2019
• How can we maintain a positive commercial real estate outlook? – October 10, 2018
• Rents continue to rise in Phoenix, according to new report – October 3, 2018
• Phoenix Real Estate Expert Says Home Buyers Should Act Quickly – January 5, 2018
• Phoenix job growth projected to double U.S. average – March 28. 2017
• Arizona leads construction growth forecasted in 2017 – October 28, 2016
• Scottsdale investor, Phoenix builder to finish 900-acre development – April 17, 2015

Cypress, TX Market Report

Cypress, TX Market Report

 

Everything’s bigger in Texas … including investment opportunities. High occupancy rates, rising rents, and a growing economy … welcome to Cypress!

Head north of Houston and stumble into a suburban paradise.

Cypress, Texas, is the area’s largest suburban community. Amid thick-forested areas and ranch land are single and multifamily properties filled to the brim with high-income tenants.

Reliable renters and rising rental rates make Cypress an excellent opportunity.

In this special report, the team at Fourplex Investment Group shares the most relevant data on the Cypress market. Discover:

• Why the market is shifting to high-density multifamily properties
• Data on occupancy rates and rent increase predictions
• Information on economic and infrastructure growth
• And more!

See whether Cypress is the right market for your next investment! Get started by filling out the form below to access the Cypress Market Report.

Magna, UT Market Report

Magna, UT Market Report

 

Find the next big boom town in the Beehive state. Make your mark in Magna, Utah!

Utah is a market defined by consistent and rapid growth … the population is exploding and jobs are popping up at a record-breaking pace.

New tenants are flooding the towns in the valleys south of the Great Salt Lake … and Magna, Utah, is particularly magnetic.

Magna is tucked right in the middle of a growing industrial space. It’s down the road from the expanding Salt Lake City International Airport, new UPS and Amazon centers, and all the amenities of Salt Lake City.

Plus, take advantage of new tax breaks for real estate investors by investing in this SLC suburb … Magna is one of Utah’s Opportunity Zones.

In this special report, the team at Fourplex Investment Group shares the most relevant data on the Magna market. Find out:

• Growth trends and predictions for the Salt Lake City area
• Future building projects and investment opportunities
• Stats on economic and business expansion
• And more!

Discover whether Magna is the market for you! Get started by filling out the form below to access the Magna Market Report.

Trump’s tariffs and your real estate investing …

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More From The Real Estate Guys™…

• Sign up for The Real Estate Guys™ Free Newsletter and visit our Special Reports library.
• Don’t miss an episode of The Real Estate Guys™ radio show. Subscribe on iTunes or Android or YouTube!
• Stay connected with The Real Estate Guys™ on Facebook and our Feedback page.

The Real Estate Guys™ radio show and podcast provides real estate investing news, education, training, and resources to help real estate investors succeed.

How to Step Up to Multi-Family

How to Step Up to Multi-Family

 

Is it time to take the leap from single family to multi-family properties? Look no further than the fourplex.

 

In this special report from the fine folks at the Fourplex Investment Group (FIG), delve into the three big reasons fourplexes are a great long-term investment.  

Discover a concise explanation of cap rates … and take a look at FIG’s recommendation for getting a good cap rate, avoiding competition, and adding value to your property.  Finally, check out the four crucial factors to selecting the right market …  a market where tenants want to work and live.  

Whether you’re a new investor or are looking to expand your portfolio, this report will give you the information you need to take steps toward investing in fourplexes.  

 

 

Get your complimentary report!  Simply fill out the confidential form below, and you’ll receive a fresh copy of How to Step Up to Multi-Family today!

Real Estate Lender USA – Tony O’Brien

Real Estate Lender USA – Tony O’Brien

 

Say hello to lending for investors by investors.

Imagine navigating your real estate investments with a group of people who really understand what you’re facing … INVESTORS.

Tony O’Brien’s team at Real Estate Lender USA is made up of investors just like you and properties just like yours.  Don’t let lack of financing hold you back … You can accomplish your investment goals!

Real Estate Lender USA is a DIRECT LENDER.  What does that mean for you?  Because all underwriting happens in-house you get to work directly with the decision-makers.  Think flexibility and speed.

Realizing appearance is everything, no matter what your personal credit profile or the underlying asset looks like, their experts know exactly how to package your deals so that they get funded … with the best possible terms, of course.

Tony’s team specializes in Acquisition-Rehab, Bridge and Term Loans for 1-30 unit properties throughout the U.S.

Discover your full borrowing potential!  Real Estate Lender USA helps you overcome setbacks and optimize your leverage with experienced strategies.  They’ll walk you through the process and help you capitalize on all the resources you have at your disposal … Some you may not even realize you have yet.
Whether considering a purchase, rehab or refinance … Ask for an analysis of your leveraging power right away!

Fill out the confidential form below to contact Tony’s team at Real Estate Lender USA …

Let the Government Fund Your Next Multi-Family Deal

Let the Government Fund Your Next Multi-Family Deal

 

Imagine creating MORE CASH FLOW, re-positioning your equity for MORE TOP LINE REAL ESTATE … and doing it all with LESS RISK!

The government is going to insure this dream for you!

You own, or are thinking of owning, a portfolio of multifamily properties … What keeps you awake at night?

Let us guess … Losing control of cash flow!

Did we read your mind? Of course. You aren’t alone.

This is exactly why Paul Winterowd and his team have invested hours to share this special report on this crazy-good loan. They understand real estate investors and the things that keep you awake at night.

Here’s just a few reasons to learn about this FHA loan:

• Favorable Interest Rates
• Higher Leverage
• No Balloon Payment
• No Recourse
• Longer Amortization

Since you are familiar with multifamily properties, you know exactly what all of this spells…

MORE CASH. MORE PROFITS. LESS RISK.

In this special report, Paul reveals exactly how you can take advantage of FHA loans for your multifamily properties. Before you finance any other property, you really should consider what Paul has to share.

Paul’s knowledge just may save you millions and make you millions!

Use this form to request your free copy of Let the Government Fund Your Next Multi-Family Deal …

Ask The Guys – Markets, Mentors and Kissing Frogs

 

In another intriguing rendition of Ask The Guys,  we dig deep into the email grab bag and pull out another great batch of listener questions.

Behind the mics but ahead of the times for this Ask The Guys edition of The Real Estate Guys™ radio show:

• Your Answer Man host, Robert Helms
• His questionable co-host, Russell Gray

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How to Invest in Out of Area Real Estate

 

This questions comes up ALL the time….especially from people living in high cost, low rent areas like California.

We always say, “Live where you want to live, but invest where the numbers make sense.”

Easy to say.  But how?

The answer isn’t complicated, but it does take some work.

First, get in touch with your inner investor.  That is, decide what you want your real estate investing to do for you…and what you’re willing to do to get it.

Sometimes travel’s involved.  You’ll definitely need a team.

Next, pick a market that is likely to provide the kind of real estate opportunities you’re looking for.

Some areas are tight supply relative to high demand.  That means they’re expensive and likely to increase.  But they probably won’t cash flow.

Other markets provide solid cash flows and abundance of working class jobs.  But don’t hold your breath for huge equity gains…unless you force it through adding value.

Once you have a market, it’s CRITICAL to build a TEAM.  And the most important, yet most unappreciated and overlooked team member is the lowly property manager.  This is the MOST important person on your team.

After all, your property manager is the primary person responsible for managing income and expenses.  But your property manager can also help you identify prospective properties to purchase.  It’s something we put a big emphasis on in all our market field trips.

Sadly, most newbie investors get excited about the property and pro-forma financials…and then figure out the market and management later.  BIG mistake…and one you should avoid.

 

What’s the Best Investment for a Sixty-Something Passive Investor?

 

That’s like asking what’s the best medicine.  It really depends on what’s ailing you!

With that said, we think the first and best initial investment for ANY investor is in education.

As Ben Franklin said, “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”

But as much as love books, podcasts, webinars, seminars, summits and field trips…sometimes a great way to learn is simply to talk with some experienced investors.  Especially those who don’t have anything to sell you.

Generally speaking, “best” is really a matter of suitability.  The goal is to pick an investment vehicle and strategy which is most likely to produce a desired outcome with minimal risk.

With that said, ALL investing decisions have risk….including a decision not to invest…or a default decision not to invest by not deciding anything at all.  In other words, inaction is an action by default.

So when you know you need to do something, the trick is to think about what you’re really aiming at.

In financial planning, it usually comes down to the following categories:

• Preservation of Purchasing Power (some call it Preservation of Principal, but we think that’s a misnomer.  Because if you’re sitting in a currency which fails, or a bond or note which pays in a currency that fails, you may get paid back, but you won’t be able to buy anything)
• Income (interest, dividends or profits from ongoing operations…like rent)
• Capital Appreciation (equity from buy low, sell high)
• Growth and Income (a balance between growth and income…something income producing real estate does quite well).

Then you have to look at time frames and liquidity.  How long can you leave the money in the investment?  What if you have an emergency and need the money out sooner than expected?

If not being able to get to the money creates a unbearable hardship, you can only choose investments which can be quickly sold or otherwise converted to cash.

Typically, the more liquid an investment is, the lower the return (think savings account)…or the more volatile the pricing (think stocks).

Real estate is relatively stable, but not very liquid.

This a bigger topic than a blog or a broadcast, but an important one.

Basically, it comes down to knowing your needs and understanding your options.  Both require asking good questions, verifying the answers, and thoughtfully considering how to best select the investment choices whose features most align with the needs you’re trying to meet.

 

Where to Get Money for Building and Investing?

 

Another common and popular question.  The great news is there are LOTS of options!

Typically when people ask this question, it’s because they aren’t lendable or banks aren’t lending.

So aside from traditional loans where you need to qualify based on your credit, income, net worth and (sometimes) your investing experience, private money is a place many investors are turning to these days.

In our Secrets of Successful Syndication Seminar we talk about how private investors can serves as lenders or as equity partners, or as both.

And with interest rates so low and the stock market so volatile, many people are looking at private placements back by real estate as a great place to invest their savings.

Many of these private investors are discovering they can use funds from their self-directed IRA, in additional to their other savings and investments, and enjoy the benefits of real estate without the hands on hassle.

So if you have investing expertise and can show a private investor how you can put their money to work in your deal and pay a good return, you’ll probably get some takers.

You still need to “qualify”, but it’s personal based on the relationship, the deal, and your’s and your team’s ability to execute.

 

Where Can I Find an Experienced Investor to Mentor Me?

 

This is a GREAT question for several reasons.  First, it implies the need to learn from someone more experienced.  Real estate investing attracts a lot of mavericks and they naively dive in because it looks easy.

Then, when they get in trouble, they don’t have anyone to turn to for help.  Or they’re embarrassed and just try to figure it out on their own.

If you push your limits (and you should), you’re bound to get stuck at the upper limits of your ability.  This is where your mentor can help you break through.

They key is to have the right mentor with the right access and relationship.

This is a TALL order because most successful people are very busy.  So when you find a prospective mentor, you’ll need to provide something of value.

So the first thing is to decide what kind of investor YOU want to be.  Then go look for someone who’s been successful doing what you want to do.

Next, figure out a way to get close.  You want to learn as much as you can, so you can look for ways to add value.

Obviously, sometimes people who love to teach create mentoring programs.  And if they’re credible and qualified, these can be great investments.

Other times, you might find someone to mentor you in exchange for your helping them.  For example, you could volunteer time to do research, vet deals, inspect properties or assist an active investor in some way.

A GREAT way, if you have the ability, is to help an expert investor write a books, create a seminar or develop a training program.  Now you’re on the inside, and you get a front row seat for all the best ideas.

 

You’re Just One Good Idea or Relationship Away from a New Success

 

While it’s true you need to kiss a lot of frogs to find the Prince Charming real estate market, team member, deal, investor or mentor…when you find that winner, it suddenly all becomes worth it.

And because most people don’t have the fortitude to keep pressing forward, you’ll find the longer you stay in the game, the less crowded it is.

So keep on kissing those frogs and it won’t be long before you leap frog to the top!

 

More From The Real Estate Guys™…

 

• Sign up for The Real Estate Guys™ Free Newsletter and visit our Special Reports library.
• Don’t miss an episode of The Real Estate Guys™ radio show. Subscribe on iTunes or Android!
• Stay connected with The Real Estate Guys™ on Facebook and our Feedback page.

The Real Estate Guys™ radio show and podcast provides real estate investing news, education, training and resources to help real estate investors succeed.

Finding, Financing and Syndicating Multi-Family Properties

 

Apartment buildings are the logical step up for most single-family home investors. And apartments are where many of the “big boys” play.

In a low interest rate world, the cash flows on multi-family properties has attracted gobs of capital…creating a many funding options, but also a lot of competition for viable deals.

In this episode, we visit with a multi-family lender, investor and syndicator to discover what he sees…and what he’s doing…in one of the hottest apartment markets in the U.S.

Taking part in this apparition of The Real Estate Guys™ radio show:

• Your A-class host, Robert Helms
• His C-class co-host, Russell Gray
• Our multi-faceted special guest, Michael Becker

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Broadcasting since 1997 with over 300 episodes on iTunes!

 

 

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Apparently Apartment are Appealing

 

Except for an under cheek sneak rate hike of 25 basis points back in December, the Fed hasn’t been able to pry interest rates off the floor in nearly 8 years.

Since the depths of the Great Recession, investors have been faced with taking their hard earned funds into the Wall Street casinos…OR…putting them into hardly earning savings accounts and bonds.

Once the dust settled after the mortgage bomb went off, apartments emerged as one of the most appealing asset classes…for lenders, investors and institutions.  So much so that gazillions of dollars poured into the space…pushing prices UP and cap rates (yield on capital) DOWN.

In spite of that, apartments remain a VERY high demand product type….especially in the right markets.

 

Apartment Lending Today is as Good as It Gets

 

Assuming your definition of “good” isn’t indiscriminately lending to unqualified borrowers against poorly performing over-priced properties in pathetic markets (say that fast 10 times…that, that, that, that, that, that…..)

Michael Becker says lending today is as good as you can get.  And that’s GREAT news for serious investors.

Becker reminds us that 8 years ago, in the wake of the meltdown, banks were effectively in the fetal position licking their wounds.  They weren’t interested in lending.  They just wanted to survive.

Today, regional and community banks are actively engaged in commercial real estate lending.  Fannie and Freddie have HUGE bucket of over $30 billion to place this year.  And even paper asset investors are beginning to have an appetite for CMBS (Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities) again.

That’s all AWESOME…because funding is the fuel that powers your portfolio.  It’s hard to go very fast without it.

 

How To Qualify for an Apartment Loan

 

The first thing to understand when it comes to apartment loans is that it’s all about the DEAL.  Well, at least mostly.

The lender knows the payments are coming from the operations and not from your personal paycheck.  Whew!

So the lender will take a good look at the property and especially the income and expenses.  If there’s plenty there, getting the loan will be a LOT easier.

But YOU still matter.

The lender wants to know you know how to operate an apartment building.  So EXPERIENCE really matters.

Now, just like your first job, you may wonder how do your get your first deal if you have to be experienced.  After all, if this is your first deal, then by definition you have no experience.

Sounds like a Catch-22.  And it is.  Sort of.

The secret is to partner with someone experienced so you get a deal on your resume.  Then, “Voila!”…you’re experienced.

It’s not rocket surgery.  But you do have to know someone who’ll help you lose your apartment investing virginity.

 

What Are the Risks of Investing in Apartments?

 

Big question.  The short answer is not knowing what you’re doing.  That’s why the lenders want to see experience.

But even when you KNOW what you’re doing as an “operator”, you also need to make sure you’re structured to weather stormy weather.  And we’re not talking monsoons or hailstorms.  More like financial earthquakes.

So our chat with Becker reminded us of some brilliance we penned in Equity Happens…

“Cash Flow Controls and Reserves Preserve”

It’s really common sense.  But when an asset class gets hot, price speculation is SO much more exciting than boring cash flow.  And who likes to sit on piles of idle cash for a rainy day?

But sufficient “debt coverage ratio”…a fancy term for Net Operating Income (Gross Rents less Operating Expenses before Debt Service) being MORE than the mortgage payment is not just required…but a good idea.  Lenders usually want about 20% more…or more.  And so should you.

But besides having enough cash flow to comfortably pay the mortgage, it’s important to have enough cash reserves to handle unexpected capital expenses…like a new roof, sewer or parking lot.

After all, if you can’t maintain the property, you’ll lose tenants…and income.  And if you REALLY neglect the property, the regulators might come shut you down completely.  That would be bad.

 

Always Have a Plan A, B and C

 

Real estate investors tend to be optimists.  We buy properties because we expect things to go well.  Otherwise, why would we bother?

And most of the time, most things go pretty well.  At least well enough to manage.  And many of the problems are things we can control…or substantially influence.

But sometimes stuff just happens that’s hard to deal with and outside our control.  So in addition to adequate cash flow and reserves, it’s a smart idea to have more than one plan for the property.

As a rule of thumb, you should never get into a deal…or structure a deal…so you don’t have at LEAST two ways out.  Call them Plan A and Plan B.  And tossing in a Plan C is usually a good idea too.

For example…since we’re on the topic of financing…based on today’s climate (stupid low interest rates) it’s wise to lock in as LONG as possible.  Even if you’re plan is to pump up the rents and refinance out all your new equity or sell to the highest bidder in a couple of years.

What if interest rates rise and there are no good loans available to both you or your potential buyer?  Are you prepared (Plan B) to stay in the deal and ride out the storm?  You should be.

And if you’re syndicating (raising money from private investors) and the property’s doing great (good job!), it can be REALLY tempting to highlight your brilliant investing skills and cut all your investors big, fat checks.

But this drains your cash reserves, and if you fit a speed bump on that rocky road to riches, a little cash can smooth things out.  If you don’t have it, then you might need to make a dreaded “cash call” on your investors.  Yuck.  That’s no fun.

What IS fun is listening to a smart and accomplished guy like Michael Becker talk about how he went from small time to medium large time in just a few years.  Over 3,000 doors and counting.

Now THAT sounds like a good plan!

 

More From The Real Estate Guys™…

 

• Sign up for The Real Estate Guys™ Free Newsletter and visit our Special Reports library.
• Don’t miss an episode of The Real Estate Guys™ radio show. Subscribe on iTunes or Android!
• Stay connected with The Real Estate Guys™ on Facebook and our Feedback page.

The Real Estate Guys™ radio show and podcast provides real estate investing news, education, training and resources to help real estate investors succeed.