from my investor accountability group. I also maintain a contingency budget beyond lender provisions for rehab projects and set aside monthly funds for rental property repairs. ANITHA. We include a 5-10% contingency fund for rehabs. For instance, with a $40,000 budget, we keep $10,000 extra. If we are surprised by costs that exceed the budget, we see what we can cut but still have a cushion to address the necessary things. With regard to timelines, we double our general contractor’s timeline estimates and treat two months as four. This helps us manage unexpected delays, like what often happens with city permits. ANDREW. Initially, I found my mentorship program’s deal analysis tool overwhelming. However, my realtor helped me simplify the data, showing that all essential information was there. I just needed to interpret it correctly. Understanding financial metrics is crucial for risk minimization. Additionally, thorough market research is essential before investing in new areas. START STRONG All four investors agreed on the key elements to help new investors succeed. The list below provides an excellent primer for those just starting their real estate investment journey and serves as a good reminder for those with experience. NEW INVESTORS NEED PROPER GUIDANCE. Seek out strong mentorship to accelerate your learning and build your deal analysis skills. High-quality programs connect you with like-minded investors and provide valuable training resources. Stay focused on your goals while learning from peers’ experiences.
Rehab Financial Group stands ready to provide financing with personalized, attentive service and support for those ready to act. They offer an attractive 100% fix-and-flip loan solution with zero down payment requirements, making it possible to transform real estate investment aspirations into tangible reality.
Plan strategically, especially when making major decisions like leaving a W2 job. Be open about your challenges and share your achievements within your network. LEARN TO EMBRACE DISCOMFORT. Initial unease is natural in property investment, but experience builds confidence. Investment success requires patience and getting comfortable with uncertainty. Although analysis is essential, acting provides better lessons than theory. A positive mindset and belief in your capabilities are necessary for success. RESEARCH GROWING CITIES WHERE MAJOR COMPANIES ARE DEVELOPING. This type of activity signals rental growth potential. Understanding material costs through hardware store visits helps you make informed renovation decisions. Maintain spreadsheets to compare contractor quotes. BUILD AN EFFICIENT TEAM. Focus on strong relationships with agents, contractors, property managers, and lenders, like Rehab Financial Group with its 100% Fix and Flip Premier Loan. STAY FOCUSED DURING THE INSPECTION PERIOD. This phase can make or break your project, so it’s vital to pay attention to five key areas: foundation, roof, plumbing, electrical systems, and HVAC. Each of these components plays a significant role in the overall integrity and functionality of the property. The valuable perspectives these four accomplished real estate investors share can serve as a practical guide for readers embarking on their investment journeys. Their firsthand experiences and proven strategies offer a wealth of knowledge that can help shape successful investment decisions.
SUSAN NAFTULIN
Susan Naftulin founded RFG with partner Jeffery Goldberg in 2009. In addition to serving as managing member of RFG, Naftulin is an active member of the American Association of Private Lenders and previously served several terms on the Ethics Advisory Committee, where she continuously upheld the real estate industry’s values and supports professional conduct in private lending. Prior to becoming managing member of RFG, Naftulin held several senior management positions in the mortgage industry, including general counsel, managing attorney, chief operating officer, and senior vice president for both privately and publicly held mortgage lenders. Before entering the mortgage industry, Naftulin was a creditors’ rights attorney with the Philadelphia law firm of Fox Rothschild LLP. Naftulin holds two Bachelor of Arts degrees from Carnegie-Melon University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law.
16 | think realty magazine :: july - august 2025
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