“you give what you get- ethos in business is karma in real life .”
Lisa Reyna (owns 2 properties)
Caveat before I start this blog: there’s nothing inherently special about being a female investor but since they remain a minority in the space, it’s important to spotlight them.
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Incredibly reductive picture of Lisa: late-twenties, single, works in real estate, fantastic dog sitter. Also: the only person I know that finds taxes interesting, hates pineapple (wtf) and studied abroad in Prague.
How many investments do you have?
I have two investments: the first is my primary residence in Denver, which I house hack. It's a 2/2 with in unit washer and dryer and is on the ground floor. I purchased it in September of 2019, and have installed a roommate who pays 58% of my rent ($1200) and pays an additional $100/month for parking. My remaining mortgage payment is less than the average Denver 1 bedroom, which is approx $1000.
My other investment is in Fort Collins and is a 4/3. My brother and I bought it together, but I property manage it, so I take an additional 10%.
What have been your challenges as an offsite property manager and investor?
Property management comes from the front end: meeting your renters, finding a personal connection, background check. Also, I picked renters that were like me and bought where I'd want to live. If you invest in a good area, you'll probably attract the kind of people you want.
How do you like house hacking? AKA, having a roommate?
I think it's great, but I treat the it as a relationship and a business transaction. I feel that I've been fortunate with roommates, and I approach being a landlord with the memory of being a renter. You have to understand their quirk and idiosyncrasies, remember that even if you own it, they pay and should have a major say in the living environment and situation. The relationship should be symbiotic.
what were your fears when you started?
When I purchased my first primary, I was locking up a lot of money. You need to reformat your thoughts to see it as a less accessible piggybank; it's still there. It's still a vehicle. It's just not an easily accessed bank account.
It's irrational, fear driven thinking, but the downpayment is scary. It is.
Why did you want to start investing?
Like many others, was interested in Rich Dad, Poor Dad. Read multiple times over. I also like Cashflow Quadrant, which is a lesser known but better book. Also, any good investor is into different pillars. Obviously stocks, etc. but real estate is better long term.
What other types of investments do you like to do outside of real estate?
I like to hard money lend. This means I lend to other investors that are flipping at a rate of 11%. I keep this rate because I lend to friends or colleagues.
I've also invested money in diversified mutual funds in the overall market. Historically, they have appreciated 8-10% over years. Have been doing that since 2016. Kind of amazing that I made more doing that than my salary for a time.
Where will your next investment be?
This is the market I know best. Even though there are probably better markets other places, this is the market I know best. I like the balance and security here. It helps me feel comfortable. Also, it helps me manage my properties- which saves me 10%.
What are your future goals?
3 houses in 5 years, purchasing each as a primary and then moving on.