The Remote Investor

Master Your Credit: A lender’s guide to boosting your score for loan approval

Resources mentioned:
https://www.idiq.com/ 
https://www.youtube.com/@TheRateUpdatewithDanFrio 
https://www.myfiacademy.com/
In this episode, Michael Albaum and Dan Frio dive into practical strategies for maintaining and improving credit scores. Dan explains that while a 100-point increase in 30 days is unrealistic, incremental improvements are possible. Dan also discusses some not so obvious ways to boost your score. Michael shares his approach of using 0% interest credit cards for home renovations, with a HELOC as a backup plan, and Dan assesses his strategy and gives some important warnings.

The Minimum Cash Needed to Start Investing in Real Estate

In this episode, we break down the true costs of getting started with remote real estate investing. We explore essential expenses like the 20% down payment, closing costs, and the often-overlooked costs such as property taxes, insurance, and management fees. We also discuss why having a reserve fund of $5,000-$10,000 is crucial for unexpected repairs and maintenance. Plus, we highlight the role of tax professionals, the importance of setting up an LLC, and securing the right insurance to protect your investment. Tune in to get a clear picture of what it takes to begin your real estate journey from afar.
Brought to you by https://www.myfiacademy.com/

Is it time to refinance yet?

Dan Frio has been in the mortgage business since 1990 and hosts a radio show that can be heard on WYLL 1160 AM Chicago Christians Talk Radio, "The Mortgage Update" Weekdays from 7:30-8PM.
In today’s episode Dan shares his view on the current state of interest rates and their impact on housing market conditions. Dan first explains the Federal Reserve's role in shaping mortgage rates. He then shares  his perspective on the current refinancing environment. We discuss the importance of understanding market conditions, finding the right loan officer, and selecting a reliable and knowledgeable mortgage broker to navigate the mortgage process.
Dan Frio’s Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@TheRateUpdatewithDanFrio
Brought to you by myfiacademy.com/

Do not sell your home when you move out!

Michael and Pierre discuss various considerations for converting primary residences into rental properties, including tax advantages, challenges, and entity structure. They also explore insurance coverage, utility management, and financing options. Michael emphasizes the benefits of self-management and cash out refinancing and provides valuable insights into the decision-making process for managing rental properties.
Brought to you by https://www.myfiacademy.com/ 

Geoff Stuhr on the quest to create passive income

In this episode, we host private equity fund manager, real estate investor, and podcast host Geoff Stuhr. We discuss his experiences and insights on real estate syndication, highlighting the lessons learned and challenges faced in this field. Geoff emphasizes the importance of transparency, mentorship, and team building to scale a successful business. He shares his challenges with private equity investing in industrial real estate, including managing assets, meeting pro forma expectations, and navigating market conditions. He shares his investment strategies, approaches to diversifying portfolios, and the importance of thorough due diligence and communication with experts.
See more of Geoff:
https://www.youtube.com/@WinningWealthPodcast
https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoffstuhr/
https://www.smartassetcapital.com/ 
 

Turnkey Rentals: Outstanding opportunity or dangerous investment?

In this episode, Tom and Michael discuss the pros and cons of investing in turnkey rental properties. They highlight the convenience of having a tenant already in place and the potential for a more “passive” income, but also acknowledge the lack of control over setting up the property, and the potential hidden fees. They also discuss red flags and risks associated with turnkey real estate investments, such as overlooked repair and maintenance costs, and the need for thorough due diligence on both the property and the turnkey provider. Michael, emphasizes the importance of grounding investment decisions in reality rather than relying solely on spreadsheets or projections.
 
Brought to you by myfiacademy.com 
 

Refinance or HELOC? Make the right choice for your investment.

Tom and Michael discuss using cash-out refinancing and HELOCs for investing in real estate. They explore the pros and cons of each option, considering loan-to-value ratios and timing for optimal financial outcomes. They also delve into the HELOC process, payments, and payment structure, highlighting the importance of understanding the mechanics of using a HELOC. Both Tom and Michael share their personal experiences and insights on refinancing and HELOC strategies, providing valuable information for real estate investors.
Brought to you by myfiacademy.com 

Maximizing Tax Benefits: Primary vs Investment Property Comparison

In this episode, we explore the tax benefits of primary residences versus investment properties. We highlight the mortgage interest deduction cap for primary residences and the lack of such a cap for investment properties. We also discuss house hacking, where individuals buy properties with extra units and rent them out to reduce living expenses.
Additionally, we cover strategies to maximize real estate investment benefits, such as buying down points to lower monthly payments, converting primary residences into investment properties, and alternative approaches blurring the line between rental and investment property.
Key points:
Consult a tax professional before making tax-related decisions.
Understand capital gains tax exemptions for married couples filing separately.
Consider converting an existing primary residence into a rental when buying a new one to keep tax benefits and leverage the existing property