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Let’s Talk About Legacy …

Leaving a RE Legacy

People from all demographics come to MartelTurnkey in search of cash-flowing assets ripe for appreciation — the easy way. But one generation we’re noticing with a surge of interest in turnkey real estate investing is the Millennial generation.  They come to us with the vision of building a financial legacy.

 

You know, those much-maligned slackers who quietly and without complaint took over the economy while their Boomer parents were still complaining about “hip-hops” and the “social medias.”  They’re the ones strategically building financial legacies!

 

These “perpetual children” with their faces in their phones have come into their own. Anywhere from 26 to 41 years old as of this writing, they either have good jobs or they have struck out on their own as freelancers and small business owners. A few have even struck it rich as crypto-bros or influencers. 

 

Needless to say, they have disposable income. Many of them see turnkey rental real estate as being easier and more secure than playing the stock market. And they all have one thing in common — the Millennials are focused on  legacy. 

 

Many have kids. Others have nieces and nephews. They’re thinking about their digital and economic footprint, coming to the realization that life is finite, and they’re concerned about what kind of legacy they’re going to leave behind.

 

Here’s how we see them integrate turnkey real estate investing into their legacy:

1. Self-Expression

Owning real estate is a priceless opportunity to leave a mark on the world, planted into the very ground beneath our feet. We have seen our Millennial clients take that and run with it. 

 

Our clients have named property after their children, or after nieces and nephews. Come what may, their family name will be stamped on buildings – and even if the next owner changes the name, it will survive somewhere in the historical record.  

 

Another one of our clients got Seussical and named his turnkey rentals “Thing 1” and “Thing 2.” This is a generation known for its expressive individualism, and this generation of real estate investors isn’t afraid to show it.

2. Financial Legacy

Millennials have seen enough recessions in their lifetime to know that companies come and go, but land is forever. Holding Apple stock in their 401(k) doesn’t give them design input on the next iPhone … but they can choose what tenant to accept in their turnkey rental.

 

Thinking again about the children in their family, they can slowly accumulate a portfolio of rental real estate to leave them with a formidable financial empire, far beyond a family home that keeps getting bigger and bigger (with a bigger and bigger mortgage). 

 

They could buy a rental house when a child is born, let it cash-flow for 20 years, and gift that now-college-aged child a host of options — sell the property, refinance, or keep it as a cornerstone of their own real estate empire. 

3. For the Children

We’ve talked about naming property after the children. About leaving a financial legacy for the children. But perhaps the most important legacy of turnkey rentals is the learning experience — the chance to teach hands-on financial lessons deplorably absent from the school system. 

 

What better legacy than a generation of financially-literate progeny on the road to financial freedom from the cradle?

 

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If legacy has been on your mind, reach out to MartelTurnkey and let’s have a conversation. You will be amazed at how easy and approachable we make it to build a real estate empire you can use to achieve financial freedom and make your mark on posterity. 



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House-Hacking vs. Turnkey Rentals — Which is Better?

When it comes to beginner-friendly real estate investing strategies, you have a few popular choices. There’s house-hacking, BRRRR, and our bread-and-butter — turnkey rentals.  In this article I will compare these two strategies to determine once and for all which is better House-Hacking vs. Turnkey Rentals?

 

We have written several articles comparing BRRRR to turnkey rentals (here’s the most recent one). Surprise surprise … a company called MartelTurnkey came down on the side of turnkey rentals. But we stand by that judgment even more thoroughly in this time of higher interest rates and inflated costs of materials and labor.

 

But what about house hacking? How does this popular beginner-friendly real estate strategy compare to turnkey rentals?

What Is “House-Hacking?”

“House-hacking” essentially means living in part of a property and renting out the other part of it. 

 

This might be as simple as buying a 3bed/2bath house, living in the master bedroom, and renting out the other two bedrooms to “roommates.” It also might include buying a duplex, triplex, fourplex, or house with an ADU (accessory dwelling unit — a back-house, garage apartment, or granny flat). You live in one unit, your tenants live in the other unit(s).

 

What’s the “hack?” The fact that your tenants basically pay your mortgage with their rent (or at least part of it) while all the while you’re building equity and growing your net worth as the property owner.

Pros of House-Hacking over Turnkey Rentals

Lower Down Payment 

As an owner-occupied property, this kind of deal qualifies for conforming homeownership loans — Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, even FHA and VA loans (the latter for military personnel or their family members).

 

These loans allow you to put 10% down or less. For FHA loans, it’s as little as 3.5% down. VA loans — 0% down. That’s a low barrier of entry. Compare that with a conventional investment property loan — you usually have to put 20% down at minimum.

Easy to Self-Manage 

Because you live on the property, it’s easy to meet and screen tenants, respond to maintenance requests, collect rent, serve notices, and otherwise manage the property yourself. I.e. no property management expense.

The Homestead Tax Exemption 

If you live in your property for at least two out of the last five years and sell it for a profit, up to $500,000 of that profit can be exempted from capital gains taxes under the Federal Homestead Exemption. That’s a lot of money you can potentially shield from taxation. 

Cons of House-Hacking over Turnkey Rentals

Private Mortgage Insurance 

Yes, you don’t have to save as much money to buy an owner-occupied home … but if you put less than 20% down, you are on the hook for an extra expense called private mortgage insurance (PMI). 

 

This payment doesn’t contribute to the equity paydown of the loan. It’s basically money down the toilet, same as mortgage interest or rent. If you put 20% down on a turnkey rental, you don’t owe PMI.

Limited to Your City 

Of course, if you’re going to live in your rental property, you’re limited to the city you live in (or want to live in). By contrast, turnkey rentals open your deal pool to the entire country — including booming markets with excellent property prices and rent-to-value ratios.  

Fewer Tax Advantages 

While the homestead exemption can be a big windfall when you sell a personal residence, turnkey landlords get a ton of tax advantages. You can read all about those tax advantages here. 

 

No homestead exemption, but you can even defer those capital gains taxes with a 1031 exchange. Not quite as good as an exemption, but fantastic for building wealth long-term.

Less Passive 

Self-managing may save you some money, but even if you live on the property, self-management is work. If you want a hands-off, passive investment that produces cash flow like clockwork and contributes to a life of financial freedom … turnkey rentals are the way to go.

 

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Above all, MartelTurnkey makes turnkey rental investing easy and rewarding. We work hard to break down all the obstacles and hurdles that stop people from investing … and to pave the way for a smooth ride to prosperity. Contact us today to find out how we can do the same for you!