Ariel decided to invest in real estate after realizing she didn't want to continue commuting and working full-time in New York City. She wanted financial freedom and more time with her family. Real estate stood out among other options like starting an Amazon business or day trading because it had a proven track record and required fewer resources.
Ariel recommends tools like Browse AI, Apify, ChatGPT, and Google Bard for analyzing real estate deals without coding. These tools can automate data collection, analyze large datasets, and provide insights into market trends, making it easier for investors to make informed decisions.
Ariel used data science to analyze properties by comparing square footage to bedroom counts. She asked her agent for a spreadsheet of MLS listings and calculated the ratio of square footage to bedrooms to identify properties with potential for additional bedrooms. This method helped her find a property with an extra room, which she later converted into a bedroom.
Ariel house hacked her first property by living in it with her partner and a family member. She paid only $600 of the $1,800 mortgage, allowing her to save money for her next deal. This strategy helped her reduce living expenses and build equity in the property.
Ariel used web scraping to collect data on properties in Detroit. She discovered a property listed as a single-family home but actually a duplex, priced $25,000 lower than similar properties. By analyzing the data, she identified the mislisting and secured the property at a discount.
Zapier is a tool that automates workflows between apps. Ariel used it to streamline her deal analysis process by setting up a system where Zillow notifications triggered automatic cash flow calculations. If a property met her criteria, she received a text message, allowing her to act quickly on potential deals.
Ariel chose Playa del Carmen because it was an expat hub with a growing market. She analyzed factors like proximity to Cancun’s airport, low cost of living, and remote work trends. She also ensured the developer had a solid track record to minimize risks associated with international investments.
Ariel’s favorite deal is her property in Tampa, Florida, in the Seminole Heights area. She purchased it for $274,000, put 5% down, and house hacked it. After renting it out, she achieved a cash flow of about $700 per month. The property also appreciated significantly, allowing her to leverage its equity for future investments.
Ariel financed her Playa del Carmen property by using a down payment from her 401(k) and a HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) on her Tampa property. The HELOC allowed her to cover the remaining $100,000 needed for the deal, which she later paid off using rental income from the condo.
Ariel advises rookie investors to be data-driven and use readily available tools like ChatGPT, Redfin, and Zillow to analyze markets and properties. She emphasizes the importance of leveraging technology to make informed decisions and avoid randomly selecting properties without proper analysis.
Do you lean into data when analyzing real estate deals)? In a competitive market, ANY kind of advantage goes a long way towards helping you land better deals. And guess what? Harnessing the power of data is much easier than you think. Today’s guest delivers a handful of helpful tips, tricks, and tools that all rookie investors can use!
Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Today, we’re joined by Ariel Herrera—data scientist by day and **real estate investor **by night. Five years ago, Ariel decided that real estate was going to be her path to financial freedom). Like any eager investor, she devoured as many articles, podcasts, videos, and books as she could get her hands on at the time. Once she realized that she could combine her love for data science with real estate, there was no looking back!
In this episode, Ariel shares about the competitive edge you can gain by being a data-driven real estate investor. She recommends several tools and systems, all of which are easy to implement and require ZERO coding. Additionally, you’ll learn how to choose your market, invest out-of-state), and save a ton of time with a few deal analysis) shortcuts!
In This Episode We Cover:
How to find better real estate deals through the power of data science
Tools and systems you can use to analyze deals (WITHOUT any coding!)
Leveraging the equity) in your portfolio to purchase MORE properties
Creating consistent cash flow with the house hacking) strategy
How to find and purchase properties in other states (and countries!)
And So Much More!
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