GuideV1FINAL PDF

The Ultimate Guide
to Finding
Investment
Properties in Los
Angeles
By Christina Peterson
The Ultimate Guide to Finding Investment Properties in Los Angeles by
Christina Peterson (BRE#: 01932329) Published by SIGS press
825 Colorado Blvd., Suite 222 Los Angeles, CA 90041
www.newwestern.com
www.socalinvestgal.wixsite.com/sigs
© 2018 Christina Peterson
All rights reserved. This book or parts thereof may not be reproduced in any
form, stored in any retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means
—electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise—without prior
written permission of the publisher, except as provided by United States of
America copyright law. For permissions contact:
christina.peterson@newwestern.com
825 Colorado Blvd, Suite 222, Los Angeles, CA 90041 christina.peterson@newwestern.com

www.newwestern.com BRE# 01932329
The Ultimate Guide to Finding Real Estate Investment Properties in Los Angeles
DISCLAIMER
(1) Introduction
This disclaimer governs the use of this guide. By using this guide, you accept this disclaimer in full.
(2) No advice
This guide contains information about real estate investing. The information is not advice, and should not be treated
as such. You must not rely on the information in this guide as an alternative to legal / financial / taxation /
accountancy advice from an appropriately qualified professional. If you have any specific questions about any legal /
financial / taxation / accountancy matter you should consult an appropriately qualified professional. You should
never delay seeking legal advice, disregard legal advice, or commence or discontinue any legal action because of
information in this guide.
(3) No representations or warranties

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law and subject to section 5 below, we exclude all representations,
warranties, undertakings and guarantees relating to the guide. Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing
paragraph, we do not represent, warrant, undertake or guarantee: (1) that the information in the ebook is correct,
accurate, complete or non-misleading; (2) that the use of the guidance in the ebook will lead to any particular
outcome or result; or (3) in particular, that by using the guidance in this guide you will have guaranteed success in
real estate investing.
(4) Limitations and exclusions of liability

The limitations and exclusions of liability set out in this section and elsewhere in this disclaimer: are subject to
section 5 below; and govern all liabilities arising under the disclaimer or in relation to the ebook, including liabilities
arising in contract, in tort (including negligence) and for breach of statutory duty. We will not be liable to you in
respect of any losses arising out of any event or events beyond our reasonable control. We will not be liable to you in
respect of any business losses, including without limitation loss of or damage to profits, income, revenue, use,
production, anticipated savings, business, contracts, commercial opportunities or goodwill. We will not be liable to you
in respect of any loss or corruption of any data, database or software. We will not be liable to you in respect of any
special, indirect or consequential loss or damage.
(5) Exceptions
Nothing in this disclaimer shall: limit or exclude our liability for death or personal injury resulting from negligence;
limit or exclude our liability for fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation; limit any of our liabilities in any way that is
not permitted under applicable law; or exclude any of our liabilities that may not be excluded under applicable law.
(6) Severability
If a section of this disclaimer is determined by any court or other competent authority to be unlawful and/or
unenforceable, the other sections of this disclaimer continue in effect. If any unlawful and/or unenforceable section
would be lawful or enforceable if part of it were deleted, that part will be deemed to be deleted, and the rest of the
section will continue in effect.
(7) Law and jurisdiction

This disclaimer will be governed by and construed in accordance with US law, and any disputes relating to this
disclaimer will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of The United States of America.
(9) Our details

In this disclaimer, "we" means (and "us" and "our" refer to) Christina Peterson of New Western Acquisitions
CREDIT: SQL Legal
825 Colorado Blvd, Suite 222, Los Angeles, CA 90041 christina.peterson@newwestern.com

www.newwestern.com BRE# 01932329
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
2 3
WELCOME! WHAT IS INVESTMENT
Is this guide for you?
PROPERTY?
And why should I invest?
5 BEFORE YOUR SEARCH

Know Your Criteria
9 TOOL #1
Real Estate Agents
13 TOOL #2
Multiple Listing Service 17 TOOL #3
Real Estate Wholesalers
24
TOOL #4 TOOL #5
20 Auctions, Clubs +
Online Sources 24 Investment Brokerage
Firms
yi n g r e a l e s ta t e is
“Bu
o n ly th e b e st w ay ,
not
q u ic k e st w a y , th e
the
t w ay , b u t t h e o n ly
safes
o b e c om e w ea lt h y .”
way t
-MARSHALL FIELD
-MARSHALL FIELD
Hello!
You made a great choice in downloading this guide! My name is Christina and I
am an Agent and Investor Consultant with New Western Acquisitions, a
professional real estate investment firm. My goal in creating this guide is for you
to gain a better understanding of real estate investing, and to be able to use any
one of the 5 tools in this guide to find your first, or 50th investment deal in Los
Angeles.
The MONEY is out there; you just gotta know how to find it!
Who is this Guide For?

Before we get in too deep...
This guide is for you if: This guide is NOT for you if:
You’re overwhelmed with all of the information

You have access to more deals than you can
online and don’t want to waste time ‘trying out’
handle, or you are not actively investing in
strategies to see if they work
real estate. This guide will not interest you
one bit!
You’re newer to investing and don’t know where to
You’re looking for that one ‘magic bullet
start, or you’ve had some success in the past but it’s
getting harder for you to find deals. solution’ that will work perfectly every
single time (PRO TIP: magic bullets don’t
You don’t have the time or desire to drive around exist!)
neighborhoods looking for properties that ‘appear’ to You are not willing to put in the work to
be in neglect make the strategies work
Your current strategies to find investment
You don’t have the time or desire to visit the Los
deals are working! High five!
Angeles County Assessor’s office to manually
search for owner contact information of ‘potentially
distressed' properties
2
What is Investment
Property?
Investment property is real property that has been purchased by
an individual or company with the intention of earning a return on
the investment. The goal is to purchase property at the cheapest
prices, which is made possible through ‘off market’ deals and
finding properties that are in a ‘distressed’ condition.
Off market deal: a private transaction between a buyer and

seller that takes place outside of a formal, public marketplace.
These properties often are not mass marketed online, in
newspapers, or on other common real estate marketing
channels
Off market deals are attractive to investors because the deals go

quickly and they allow for you to have much more control of the
transaction. Also, because a vast majority of off-market deals are not
marketed at full price, investors are typically able to purchase these
properties at significant discounts.
Distressed property: a property with physical or financial issues,

or both. Many properties become distressed due to property
neglect or failure to upkeep, or the owner is at risk of foreclosure
due to non-payment of mortgage and/or property taxes.
Other situations that may lead to a property needing to be sold

quickly might include divorce, death or an unexpected relocation
with the property owner. Regardless of the situation, it wise to
practice empathy and fairness in your dealings, especially with
such delicate situations.
3
Why should I
consider investing?
Generally speaking, real estate is one of the safest investments you can
put your money in today. As we know, the goal of investment property
is to generate income. Because the real estate industry is traditionally
set up to help people buy homes to live in, the industry is ripe for
disruption and there is REAL MONEY to be made!
Real estate is here to stay, and a commodity that people will always
need (at least for the foreseeable future!) Investing used to be limited to
the wealthy; now anyone with a plan really can create wealth and
success in real estate. It’s a matter of being educated, surrounding
yourself with a strong team and working hard!
Aside from the fact that over half the US population does not have
enough money saved for retirement, property investment can be a great
tool to generate retirement income! The key to making this plan work is
to start building your portfolio as early as possible. And don’t just think
of buying multifamily buildings! Many investors are building strong
SFR rental portfolios, which, in this city can often command higher
rates than a comparable apartment unit.
4
BEFORE
YOUR
SEARCH
5
KNOW YOUR CRITERIA
"If You Fail to Plan, You are Planning to Fail!"
-BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
These words cannot be more true, especially when it comes to real

estate! The market will always be speculative and there will always be risk
involved in the purchase of property. With that being said, don't let
anything scare you away! If you make a plan and are prepared for the
journey, you certainly have a chance for success!
If you really fail to plan before you start looking at properties you may
discover issues after buying a property that may not make it look like such a
good ‘deal’ after all. It is essential, at the least, that you have an idea of the
numbers you’re comfortable with so that you can make smarter
investments.
If you don’t know what you’re looking for, how will you know when you
have found it? Take some time to think about the questions on the next few
pages when you’re evaulating deals:
6
INVESTING STRATEGY
Why are you investing?
Do you want to buy a tear down to turn into something beautiful and new, or do
you just want to perform a few cosmetic touch ups to quickly generate rental
income? If you’re investing in rentals, do you want your properties to appeal to a
certain demographic, such as students or young professionals?
Investors that are making money in this market are the ones that are finding their
NICHE and focusing their investment strategy on specific types of properties. It
pays to specialize!
DESIRED NEIGHBORHOODS/LOCATIONS
Where are you going to invest?
Many investors like to think, wherever the deals are! Problem is, deals are ALL OVER
Los Angeles. The city is comprised of over 450 unique districts and neighborhoods, all
with their own personalities and vastly different real estate prices.
Investing in an eclectic 3bd/2bath in Silver Lake neighborhood looks a lot different
from buying a tear down fourplex in the City of Torrance. Focusing your efforts on a
few key areas of the market allows you to secure the deals that make the best since for
your investment goals.
FINANCING METHOD
How are you going to pay for property?
As mentioned, traditional lenders typically steer away from investment purchases,
which leaves the majority of these transactions as cash or hard money.
Even if you don’t have enough to pay cash on the spot, you CAN leverage the
funds that you do have using a hard money loan. Hard money is a little used tool
that can give investors stronger buying power:
Hard money: A specific type of asset-

based loan financing through which a
borrower receives funds secured by
BUYING PRICE POINTS the value of a parcel of real estate.
How much are you going to spend?

Aside from the actual property, there are a number of other dollar signs that will
come with the purchase. Property taxes, closing/escrow fees and potential rehab are
a few associated costs to keep in mind when running your numbers. The amount
that you spend on any one of these items directly affects your overall net profit.
7
Check out the
great articles
on ARV and
ROI at the end
of this guide!
ESTIMATED REHAB COSTS

What needs to be fixed? How much will it cost?
Not every investment property that you buy will need to be rehabbed. However, for
the ones that will need work, you need to be prepared. Research local labor and
material costs, and make relationships with local contractors who you can later
partner with on renovations. As you invest in more property you will become better
at this, but having your estimates when evaluating a property can mean the
difference between winning and losing a deal.
ESTIMATED ARV & ROI

How much profit should I expect to make on the deal?
As much as purchase price, after-repair value (ARV) and return on investment (ROI)
are the two numbers investors should always have top of mind. ARV is a tool used to
determine the maximum amount to offer on any given property, and ROI is a tool used
to estimate the profitability of a potential deal. Estimating an accurate ARV and
knowing your desired ROI before you buy can help you make smarter investing
moves.
After-Repair Value (ARV): estimate of a property’s value after all repairs

and upgrades are completed.The ARV calculates the margin between the
‘non-improved’ value of an investment property and the value of that
property once it has been developed.
Return on Investment (ROI): estimates the percentage of money (profit)

that’s left after deducting associated costs (taxes, closing fees, rehab
costs, etc.) from your investment-minus the amount initially put into the
investment.
EXIT STRATEGY
What is your plan for the property after purchase?
Two ways investors typically make money on their purchase is to ‘fix and flip’ or ‘buy
and hold’. If you’re holding onto property for any amount of time beyond what
makes sense for your exit strategy, it might end up costing you money. Have a plan
for the property before you sign the contract!
Fix and flip: property is purchased often at a discounted price,

renovated and sold for a profit within a short amount of time
(typically less than 6 months).
Buy and hold: property is purchased at a discount, rehabbed and

either rented out for rental income or held until the seller puts it
back on the market.
8
TOOL #1:
REAL
ESTATE
AGENTS
9
How Real Estate Agents Can
Help You Find Deals:
MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE (MLS) ACCESS
Real estate licensees have access to this database and certain information
that’s not available to the general public. Data found on the MLS can be an
incredible resource to property investors, but is not at all necessary for
success.
More information about the MLS will be covered later in the guide.
RELATIONSHIPS
Many agents have a network of other real estate professionals (agents,
brokers, escrow officers, etc.) and property investors that they regularly
work with. Real estate agents LOVE to connect with investors to share
knowledge, contacts and deals. It’s always a good idea to know at least one
agent!
INSIDER STATUS
The simple nature of a real estate agent’s job is the fact that they have
access and knowledge about properties everyday before the general public.
This sometimes allows investors to snag those exclusive deals everyone will
want as soon as they see it! When you find an investor-friendly agent,
grab 'em-they can be worth MORE than their weight in gold!
10
Choosing an Agent
Though you're not obligated to work with anyone in your business,
partnering with an agent can help you avoid costly mistakes and save
money. Agents also have the resources mentioned in this guide, which
can only be to your advantage! Consider these questions if you're
thinking about adding an agent to your team:
Pulling Comps: choosing and
analyzing a select number of
Does the agent have experience with investment
properties that have recently
property transactions? Have they worked with sold in the area that are most
investor clients before? Ask if you can speak with a similar to a subject property.
few of the agent's clients on their experiences.
The purpose of using comps are
to better understand the value
Can they recognize investment opportunities? Are of a property and estimate a
they aware of realistic profits being made in the price range an investor might
expect to get upon selling.
current market? Do they know what to look out for
with this type of purchase, and how to negotiate a fair
price? Ask them these questions and listen carefully to
the answers.
Is the agent familiar with construction/materials costs,

and do they know how to accurately estimate a rehab
project? Ask them to show you how they would
estimate costs on a given project.
Do they know how to accurately pull and analyze

comparable properties ‘comps’? Ask to see the last set
of comps they pulled for a project, and ask them to
explain the comps to you.
11
Keep in Mind...
MANY AGENTS ARE PAID ON COMMISSION
Your agent is getting paid to find the property, negotiate with the seller,
execute the contract, and everything else involved in the transaction that
you would be doing yourself had you not hired an agent. Though there is
no minimum commission rate in the industry, it is common to see
commissions in the 2-6% range of the property purchase price. Keep this
expense in mind if you will be using agents to find your deals.
NOT EVERY AGENT IS KNOWLEDGABLE

ABOUT INVESTMENT PROPERTY
Many real estate agents are not specifically trained to buy and sell
investment property, and often come to this point through experience and
education. If you plan to use an agent, it is in your best interest to make
sure your agent already has solid experience with this type of property.
12
TOOL #2:
MULTIPLE
LISTING
SERVICE
13
Yes, there is more than
one MLS
The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is an online database that was created
and used by the real estate industry to better standardize the process of
buying and selling real property. Nearly state has at least one MLS that is
exclusively available for use by individuals that holds a real estate license
for that state (real estate agents, brokers, etc.)
The CRMLS (California Regional Multiple Listing Service) covers most of

Southern California and is only accessible by Realtors©. In order to access
the CRMLS and the wealth of valuable data available, you will need a
relationship with a Realtor©.
Themls.com is a website whose database is largely geared towards real

estate professionals on the Westside of Los Angeles. All agents, regardless
of Realtor© status, can register for themls.com. It also appears that the
general public can register for a free guest account that gives access to
listings, but not the rich data and tools contained in the CRMLS.
A google search also reveals that there may be ways to access the MLS
without getting a real estate license or using an agent; try this at your own
risk!
14
What's so Special about
the MLS?
The MLS is convenience and access at your fingertips. That time you
might spend driving all over LA for potential deals, or pleading downtown
with the City to provide you with this information can as easily be found
on the MLS. As mentioned, MLS access is restricted and you will need
a relationship with an agent for that access. The MLS is not the only way
to find deals, however. There are plenty of other tools available to investors,
including:
• Real estate listing sites: Zillow, Redfin, Realtor.com
• Local brokerage sites: Coldwell Banker, Keller Williams, Compass
• Newspapers (online and print)
• For Sale By Owner (FSBO) website and listings
• Property auctions held by the city (more information on this further in

the guide!)
• Networking with other investors
15
Keep in Mind...
THE MLS IS DESIGNED FOR AGENTS
The system wasn't designed for just anyone to use. Not to say that
anyone couldn’t figure it out. Agents pay and receive specialized MLS
training to find you the deals so you don't have to! Additionally, any
property listed on any MLS in California was put there by an agent; if
you find a property listed on the MLS that you want to buy, you will
more than likely be working with an agent.
MLS = (MOSTLY) RETAIL PRICE

Properties advertised on the MLS are generally advertised 'at retail’,
meaning the seller is looking for the most money they can get.
Properties on the MLS are sometimes initially listed overpriced, so

they may sit on the MLS for months until the seller reduces the price
or takes it off the market.
Meanwhile, sellers that need to get rid of property quickly, most often
DISTRESSED properties, can’t afford to wait on the MLS. They may
advertise the property online, but they will also tell everyone they
know about it, and more often than not sell at a discount to move the
property even faster.
Investors should not solely take advantage of this fact, but seek to
make the transaction a win-win for both parties.
16
TOOL #3: REAL
ESTATE
WHOLESALERS
17
Check out the
article at the
end of the
guide for more
info on
wholesaling!
What is Real Estate Wholesaling?

Real estate wholesaling is an investing strategy where an individual
wholesaler has access to off market, distressed property that they get under
contract and then attempt to quickly assign to another investor.
Wholesale properties are extremely attractive to investors, because of the low

prices and quick transactions. However, as with any strategy, working with
the wrong people can cost time, money and potential legal headaches! If you
are considering wholesaling, do your research!
Three Types of Wholesaling
1 2 3
Assignment 'Traditional' Double Close
This method involves getting a
Wholesaling A distressed property is purchased
from a motivated seller and then
distressed property under contract
An individual or firm purchases and simultaneously sold to another
from a motivated seller, and then
owns an inventory of distressed investor. There are two transactions
finding an investor that you can sell
property that they offer to investors happening at once, one between the
the rights to, or ‘assign’ that contract
at discount ‘wholesale’ pricing. motivated seller and buyer, and one
to before the closing date of your
Similar to the double close method, between the buyer and end investor.
original contract with the seller. The
traditional wholesaling is profitable Individuals and organizations that
way wholesalers make money with
when the buyer can regularly have the capital may fund the
assignments is by charging a fee to purchase of the property between the
purchase a large amount of property
the investor that they assign the motivated seller and investor, and add
for their inventory.
contract to. The wholesaler typically a fee for this service to the
is not investing their money in the transaction between the buyer and
transaction. end investor.
18
Keep in Mind...
FEES VARY WIDELY AMONG WHOLESALERS

Though they may essentially perform the same function, one wholesaler may
charge a flat fee on each transaction, while another may charge a percentage of
the purchase price (or something else completely).
Wholesalers cut out the time spent looking for a deal by bringing the deals
straight to you. Because of the extreme competition in LA for limited inventory,
1
the quicker you can move the better.
Wholesaling fees may become another cut into your profit-but what's more
important: your time or your money?
19
TOOL #4:
AUCTIONS,
CLUBS +
1 ONLINE
SOURCES
20
More info on
local auctions at
the end of the
guide!
#GETINVOLVED
One of the best ways to stay connected to the real estate world is to get
social and get involved! Fortunately, there are plenty of online and
offline opportunities in LA to connect with other investors and industry
professionals.
AUCTIONS
The buzzing energy of auctions can't be beat, and many of the deals up
for grabs you have to see to believe! However, because of the extreme
competition for these properties, you may leave more than a few events
empty handed!
1
Unless otherwise stated, auctions are typically cash only, and auction
properties are always sold ‘as-is’. Always make sure to do your research
before bidding!
FORECLOSURE / BANK OWNED AUCTION

Scheduled sale of an individual piece of property. These sales happen on a
pre-determined day and time, often on site at the property. Unless a desirable
property is up for grabs, there is generally less competition at these auctions.
LA COUNTY TREASURER & TAX COLLECTOR AUCTION

Los Angeles County holds property tax auctions twice a year, in August and
October. Lists of scheduled properties to be auctioned are available online
beforehand; it's smart to research properties you're interested in before the
auction to maximze your chances of winning!
SCHEDULED ONLINE AUCTIONS

Auction.com and hubzu.com. are two sites that allow buyers to auction on
properties online, or attend in-person auctions that are listed on their sites.
Both websites provide information on each property up for auction, as well as
location details for the in-person auction events.
21
More info on
local real estate
clubs at the end
of the guide!
PROFESSIONAL
RELATIONSHIPS
Most people know at least one attorney, CPA or Financial Planner. You
may even already have a few in your sphere! These people often have
clients that own property, and they’re usually the first ones to know about
the potential sale of distressed property.
If you don't already have these relationships, seek them out. Depending on
your relationships and strategy, you can often uncover deals through
these connections you may not have otherwise heard of.
REAL ESTATE CLUBS

There are dozens of informal and formal groups around Los Angeles just
for investing. Some clubs are free to join, while others require members to
pay. Most clubs seek to provide networking and education for their
members.
A google search of ‘real estate club, Los Angeles’ is a good place to start.
Meetup.com also has a vast listing of real estate clubs. Check out the links
at the end of the guide!
22
SOCIAL NETWORKS
The usual suspects…Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are all great online tools to
incorporate into your property search, but the social networks specific to the
investing community are where it’s at!
BIGGER CONNECTED
POCKETS INVESTORS
(LINK) (LINK)
A well-known website for real estate investors. They Another investor social network similar to Bigger
provide a ton of educational content through their Pockets. This site has many of the same features as
blogs and podcasts, books and e-courses. Their online BP, but they really emphasize their marketplace
forums are very active and a great place to meet and and community aspects. There is some educational
interact with investors, and the marketplace where content here worth checking out, including their
deals are listed is definitely worth checking out. BP is blog, webinar and ebooks. Connected Investors is
free to join and use, but they also offer premium completely free to sign up and use.
memberships with extra features that appear to be
worth the cost!
1 MY HOUSE
DEALS (LINK)
LINKEDIN
(LINK)
A website that allows users to post their investment This is the Professional Social Network..Because
property deals. There is a free version, which allows LinkedIn is not real estate focused, users will need to do
users to view a limited number of properties per day. a bit more work to take advantage of what they have to
The paid versions include a number of valuable offer. Investors can use the site to build personal
resources for investors, including allowing investors relationships with other investors and industry pros; join
to search and view unlimited properties daily! All of real estate investor groups and contribute to group
the deals on this site are advertised to be discounted; conversations, and stay up to date on real estate news.
it’s up to the buyer to perform their own due- LinkedIn is free to join and also has a premium
diligence before contracting. membership option, that allows users to build deeper
connections. A 1 month premium free trial is offered to
see if it right’s for you.
CRAIGSLIST
Craigslist is the local community marketplace. An owner can list
property they have for sale on the site for free, and it’s up to the
buyer and seller to continue the transaction offline. If a property is
posted on Craigslist and not on the MLS, it's generally going to be
considered an off market deal, which we know is how many
investment deals are done in today’s market. Savvy investors can find
deals on Craigslist, but it takes work and it’s always a good idea to use
the site in conjunction with other methods!
23
TOOL #5:
REAL ESTATE
1 INVESTMENT
FIRMS
24
WHAT IS AN INVESTMENT
BROKERAGE FIRM?
Just as a traditional residential brokerage connects buyers with their dream
homes, an investment brokerage firm connects investors with their dream
investment properties!
Some firms provide additional services to their investors, either free or paid,
that may include assistance with financing, and coordinating all aspects of the
transaction with the property owner on behalf of the investor.
Investment firms typically work directly with property buyers and sellers,
rather than with an agent representing each side of the transaction (principal
1
to principal). Depending on the business model, the investment firm is selling
property in their inventory directly to an investor.
Firms typically get paid by charging a fee to the buyer-for connecting the
investor with the discount property. The opportunity for costly mistakes and
legal problems may be reduced (not eliminated!) when using a professional
firm, because many investment firms require their agents working with clients
to be licensed, and firms typically have a significant amount of experience in
the industry.
Read on for even more benefits of working with an investment firm!
25
WHY SHOULD I CONSIDER AN
INVESTMENT BROKERAGE?
Aside from saving you time and frustration, investment firms can
provide incredible value to your business:
FINDING INVESTMENT PROPERTY

A professional firm often has the ability to spend large amounts of money and time
advertising to distressed sellers. They build a strong inventory that they can then
offer to their investors. In the beginning, investors that don’t have connections or
access to deals may end up spending a majority of their time trying to search for
deals rather than actually making any money. Some investors value their time over
money and believe the fee working with a firm is worth the hours, weeks, or months
it can take to find solid deals on their own.
COMPS PREPARATION AND ANALYSIS

1
As a reminder, pulling comps is the process of researching a group of recently sold
properties that are physically similar to the property being analyzed, in order to
estimate a range of sale prices the property may command. An investor can learn
how to select and analyze comps, and are often encouraged to run their own comps
on any property they’re planning to purchase. However, finding and analyzing comps
takes a bit of time, and if not done correctly can ultimately affect your profit on a
deal. A firm that has knowledgeable agents pulling and analyzing their comps can be
a huge resource to an investor. Again, it’s about whether your time or your money is
more important.
PROFESSIONAL INVESTING ADVICE

The University of Google can certainly give you a solid investing education; there is
A LOT of information out there and you won't know what works until you try.
Investors will naturally gain knowledge with experience, but it can only be to an
investor’s advantage to work with people who already have that knowledge. Investor-
focused agents love to give their input on anything from bid amounts to offer on a
given property, based on accurate research and consideration, to suggestions on types
of materials and finishes to use on a rehab to competitively price the property upon a
sale.
26
SPOTLIGHT ON A LOCAL REAL
ESTATE FIRM: NEW WESTERN
ACQUISITIONS
New Western Acquisitions (NWA) is a professional real estate brokerage established

in 2008 with a goal of acquiring and reselling distressed properties for its affiliated
holding companies. The company is headquartered in Dallas, TX with regional offices
1
nationwide-including three in California. New Western Acquisitions holds a unique
spot in the marketplace in that they operate under a model not seen at other firms:
WE FIND
New Western agents use online and offline advertising, market data and industry
connections to find distressed and off market deals for their investors, targeted to the
investor’s needs and preferences. Deals are sent straight to investors’ email inbox with
no work on their part.
WE FUND
The firm has in-house financing resources to help investors fund their selected
properties, with industry leading, low rate financing options.
YOU FIX
Investors have access to an extensive list of contractors and resources for their
rehab projects, as well as professional advice from experienced agents.
EXIT
Flip your property for a quick profit, or keep it as a rental and collect cash flow for
years!
27
WHY NEW WESTERN
ACQUISITIONS?
In addition to benefits of working with an investment firm covered in this
guide, New Western also provides additional perks to our investors that we
work with:
EXCLUSIVE DEALS
Our deals are NOT shared with wholesalers or the general public. NWA
agents only work with a select group of Active investors that have been
prequalified to take advantage of the deals in our inventory.
VAST INVENTORY
1
NWA is selling around 20-30 distressed SFR's/Multi-Family properties every
month across the Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside
counties. The majority of our properties sell within 48 hours.
ACCESS + INFORMATION
Access + Information: Our investors have access to view and inspect
properties before making an offer, and we Guarantee to provide free and clear
title on every single transaction.
...AND THE BEST PART...

All of this at absolutely no cost or obligation to you! NWA agents are paid
from the transaction fee, which is calculated based on the amount of the
transaction's closing costs. At our firm, these costs are between 1.5-2% of the
purchase price of the property.
28
I LIKE YOU. LET'S WORK
TOGETHER!
My firm has two simple requirements before working with new investors as
we look to establish long-term business relationships:
In-person meeting at one of our SoCal locations.

Addresses and phone numbers of our offices are at
the end of this guide, in ‘Resources’!
A current, valid proof of funds showing assets
1
readily available to purchase property.
I will be with you from our initial conversation to closing date on your selected
property, every single deal. Many of our investors refer their colleagues and come
back time and again to partner with us in achieving their investment goals.
It is my hope in reading this guide that you have learned a few options for
finding your next deal in Los Angeles. My goal is to be a resource to active
investors such as yourself, with practical education and actionable tips to help
you make more money.
If you would like to learn more about New Western, or are ready to get started
finding investment properties with me, please get in touch. I will be waiting for
your call!
Christina
29
RESOURCES
BEFORE YOUR SEARCH
The Motley Fool – The 70% Rule. One Critical Formula Investors
Need to Know
Investopiedia – How to Calculate Return on Investment (ROI)

for Real Estate Investments
TOOL #3: WHOLESALERS

Bigger Pockets - What is Real Estate Wholesaling?
TOOL #4: AUCTIONS, CLUBS + ONLINE SOURCES

Hubzu.com - Online Auctions
Auction.com - Online and In-Person Auctions
Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector - Public Auctions
Bigger Pockets - List of Local Real Estate Investment Groups
Meetup.com - Local Real Estate Investment Groups
30
THANK YOU!
FOR DOWNLOADING THIS GUIDE!
If you found value in this guide, please consider sharing!
Connect with me on social media for more investing tips and
resources, and to stay on top of ALL of my HOT off market
deals!
Instagram: Facebook: LinkedIn:

@socalinvestgal @socalinvestgal clynnpeters
Bigger Pockets: Connected Investors:

ChristinaP52 christina-peterson
About the Author
Born and raised in sunny Southern California, Christina is an Agent and Investor Consultant who is
passionate about all things Real Estate! Her background in Administration and Homeowners
Association Management inform her mindful and organized approach to helping her clients achieve
their goals.
Through her affiliation with New Western Acquisitions, Christina seeks to connect and become a
partner to anyone in Los Angeles that desires to create wealth through real estate. She believes that
financial freedom through real estate can be a reality for all, and with the right tools and mindset-
success is inevitable. Her positive attitude, sense of humor and determination make her an essential
part of any investing team.
...and now some fun facts!

it's me! drink of choice:
@socalinvestgal #roséallday
blooms I adore: my world!

roses Stryker
catch me in: signature scent:

rompers Versace Bright Crystal
Los Angeles obsessed:
born + bred mint + gold

GuideV1FINAL PDF

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

GuideV1FINAL PDF

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

The Ultimate Guide

© 2018 Christina Peterson

825 Colorado Blvd, Suite 222, Los Angeles, CA 90041 christina.peterson@newwestern.com

(3) No representations or warranties

(4) Limitations and exclusions of liability

(7) Law and jurisdiction

(9) Our details

CREDIT: SQL Legal

825 Colorado Blvd, Suite 222, Los Angeles, CA 90041 christina.peterson@newwestern.com

5 BEFORE YOUR SEARCH

Who is this Guide For?

You’re overwhelmed with all of the information

Off market deal: a private transaction between a buyer and

Off market deals are attractive to investors because the deals go

Distressed property: a property with physical or financial issues,

Other situations that may lead to a property needing to be sold

These words cannot be more true, especially when it comes to real

income? If you’re investing in rentals, do you want your properties to appeal to a

certain demographic, such as students or young professionals?

NICHE and focusing their investment strategy on specific types of properties. It

Investing in an eclectic 3bd/2bath in Silver Lake neighborhood looks a lot different

your investment goals.

which leaves the majority of these transactions as cash or hard money.

that can give investors stronger buying power:

Hard money: A specific type of asset-

BUYING PRICE POINTS the value of a parcel of real estate.

How much are you going to spend?

ESTIMATED REHAB COSTS

difference between winning and losing a deal.

ESTIMATED ARV & ROI

After-Repair Value (ARV): estimate of a property’s value after all repairs

Return on Investment (ROI): estimates the percentage of money (profit)

Fix and flip: property is purchased often at a discounted price,

Buy and hold: property is purchased at a discount, rehabbed and

Is the agent familiar with construction/materials costs,

Do they know how to accurately pull and analyze

NOT EVERY AGENT IS KNOWLEDGABLE

The CRMLS (California Regional Multiple Listing Service) covers most of

Themls.com is a website whose database is largely geared towards real

• Real estate listing sites: Zillow, Redfin, Realtor.com

• Local brokerage sites: Coldwell Banker, Keller Williams, Compass

• Newspapers (online and print)

• For Sale By Owner (FSBO) website and listings

• Property auctions held by the city (more information on this further in

• Networking with other investors

MLS = (MOSTLY) RETAIL PRICE

Properties on the MLS are sometimes initially listed overpriced, so

What is Real Estate Wholesaling?

Wholesale properties are extremely attractive to investors, because of the low

Three Types of Wholesaling

FEES VARY WIDELY AMONG WHOLESALERS

FORECLOSURE / BANK OWNED AUCTION

LA COUNTY TREASURER & TAX COLLECTOR AUCTION

SCHEDULED ONLINE AUCTIONS

REAL ESTATE CLUBS

Read on for even more benefits of working with an investment firm!

FINDING INVESTMENT PROPERTY

COMPS PREPARATION AND ANALYSIS

PROFESSIONAL INVESTING ADVICE

New Western Acquisitions (NWA) is a professional real estate brokerage established

...AND THE BEST PART...

In-person meeting at one of our SoCal locations.

A current, valid proof of funds showing assets