Ep. 146 Jenna Diermann & Lucas LeBlanc: Two Real Estate Investors’ Journey from Vacation Rentals to Multifamily

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Sometimes, embarking on the journey to becoming a real estate investor isn’t just a mental one – it can be a physical one too! It takes focus and vision to realize your real estate investing goals and that can mean stepping out of your comfort zone. That’s what our two guests this episode are doing and it’s paying off.

Lucas LeBlanc and Jenna Diermann began on their investment path when they started looking at ways to ensure financial freedom. With a goal to build a passive income portfolio consisting of both short and long term rental properties, Jenna and Lucas found that their home state of California didn’t afford them the opportunity to fully realize their real estate goals, so they landed on the Florida market, relocating to Tampa.

Jenna and Lucas have started DreamStone Homes with hopes to build a portfolio of vacation and multifamily rentals throughout the Tampa Bay area.

What makes these two so interesting is their drive and creativity. Since moving to Tampa earlier this year, the two have already started work on a single family renovation and are currently under contract for a mulltifamily property. By finding a unique niche, they have been able to focus their investment goals to actionable results. Jenna is a well-known DIY designer and decorator who’s work has been featured on several home and living platforms. By applying her special brand to their properties, they are able to find investments that work for them.

Listen to their investment journey!

Contact Lucas and Jenna:

Ep. 75 Garrett Kenny: Irish Builder Talks Foreign Investment in Florida & Hot Orlando Real Estate Sub-Markets

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Gary_editedIn a recent episode, we spoke with an investor who managed a Florida real estate portfolio from outside the country. This week’s episode features an investor who runs a foreign investment firm out of his home-base in Davenport, Florida.

Garrett Kenny started building his investment portfolio in Florida after being introduced to Orlando’s vacation markets in 1996. Since then, he has built his investment firm, Feltrim, into an international name for foreign investment in Florida real estate, handling all aspects of the investment process. This episode, Garrett discusses foreign investment in Florida and hot real estate sub-markets in Orlando.

Foreign Investing in Florida

  • Most foreign investors can expect to average 6% annual ROI
  • Easy to find financing options, but many do cash deals
    • Usually require more up-front from investor for financing
    • 4-4.5% interest rates
    • Some foreign investors use local banks and mortgage brokers
    • Some financing may be available through institutions in home countries
  • Brazil and China emerging as dominant foreign investors in Florida markets
  • Foreign investors expanding portfolios in Florida real estate

Orlando

  • 62 million visitors to Orlando area in 2014
  • Diverse investment opportunity
    • Vacation rentals, commercial and industrial markets
    • Top 3 vacation rental areas – Championsgate, Davenport, and Kissimmee
    • Medical + Technology – Lake Nona
    • Long-term investing in 30 mi. radius of Disney
  • Other hot sub-markets
    • Distressed and repossessed homes
    • “Class A” properties – Windermere, Winter Park

Tips on Foreign Investment

  • Having a local knowledge of your desired market is key
    • Find out about the area before investing
  • Location, Location, Location
    • Finding the right location for your investment is important

To find out more about Garrett and Feltrim’s services or about investing in Orlando real estate, visit the firm’s website

Garrett recently published a book, Buying and Owning Property in Central Florida available on Author House and Amazon