Tag Archives: cash flow soldier

Unlocking the Door to Homeownership: A Guide to Utilizing the USDA Loan

This Video was made in 2023 but the information still applies in 2024 as of now.

For many aspiring homeowners, the dream of owning a house can feel like a distant goal, especially when faced with the challenges of saving for a down payment and navigating through complex mortgage options. However, there is a lesser-known gem in the world of home financing that could make your dream a reality – the USDA loan. In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of utilizing the USDA loan to buy a home and how it can be a game-changer for those looking to secure affordable and accessible homeownership.

Understanding the USDA Loan:

The USDA loan, backed by the United States Department of Agriculture, is designed to promote rural development by offering low to moderate-income individuals and families the opportunity to purchase homes in eligible rural areas. While the name might suggest a focus on agriculture, these loans are not just for farmers – they are accessible to a wide range of prospective homeowners.

Key Advantages of USDA Loans:

  1. Zero Down Payment: One of the most significant advantages of the USDA loan is that it requires no down payment. Traditional mortgages often demand a substantial upfront payment, making it a major obstacle for many homebuyers. With the USDA loan, the path to homeownership becomes more accessible as the barrier of a hefty down payment is removed.
  2. Low Interest Rates: USDA loans typically offer competitive and affordable interest rates. The combination of a low-interest rate and no down payment can result in significant savings over the life of the loan compared to other financing options.
  3. Flexible Credit Requirements: Unlike some conventional loans, USDA loans have more lenient credit score requirements. This flexibility makes homeownership achievable for individuals with a range of credit histories, including those who may have faced financial challenges in the past.
  4. Guaranteed and Direct Loan Options: The USDA loan program provides two main types of loans – guaranteed and direct. Guaranteed loans are offered by approved lenders and backed by the USDA, while direct loans are provided directly by the USDA. Both options provide viable paths to homeownership, catering to different financial situations.
  5. Income Eligibility: To qualify for a USDA loan, there are income restrictions based on the location and size of the household. However, these limits are often higher than one might expect, making the USDA loan accessible to many families with moderate incomes.

Steps to Utilize a USDA Loan:

  1. Check Eligibility: Start by determining if the property you are interested in is located in an eligible rural area. The USDA provides an online eligibility map that can help you identify eligible locations.
  2. Find an Approved Lender: Look for a lender approved to offer USDA loans. Many traditional lenders, as well as specialized mortgage providers, participate in the USDA loan program.
  3. Gather Necessary Documents: As with any mortgage application, be prepared to provide documentation such as income verification, employment history, and credit information.
  4. Submit Your Application: Work with your chosen lender to submit your USDA loan application. The approval process may take some time, so be patient and stay in regular communication with your lender.
  5. Close on Your Home: Once approved, you can proceed to the closing process. At closing, you’ll sign the necessary paperwork and officially become a homeowner.

The USDA loan stands as a beacon of hope for those aspiring to achieve the dream of homeownership. With its zero down payment, low-interest rates, and flexible credit requirements, this unique financing option opens doors that may have seemed firmly closed. As you embark on the journey to buy a home, consider the USDA loan as a powerful tool that can turn your dream into reality. Explore your options, find an approved lender, and take the first step toward unlocking the door to homeownership.

Follow me on Instagram and YouTube for more helpful tips.

Read my Free E-Book

Unlocking the Door to Homeownership: A Comprehensive Guide to Utilizing the VA Loan

For military service members and veterans, the dream of homeownership can become a reality through the powerful tool known as the VA Loan. Created as part of the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944, this loan program aims to support veterans in achieving the American dream of owning a home. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the benefits of the VA Loan and provide a step-by-step walkthrough on how to utilize it to purchase a home.

Understanding the VA Loan:

  1. Eligibility Requirements: To access the VA Loan, you must meet specific eligibility criteria. Generally, veterans, active-duty service members, and some surviving spouses may qualify. Ensure you have a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to prove your eligibility.
  2. Advantages of the VA Loan: One of the most significant advantages of the VA Loan is that it offers favorable terms such as lower interest rates, zero down payment requirements, and no private mortgage insurance (PMI). These benefits make homeownership more accessible for veterans.
  3. Types of VA Loans: VA Loans come in various forms, including Purchase Loans, Cash-Out Refinance Loans, and Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loans (IRRRL). Each type serves a unique purpose, so it’s essential to understand which one aligns with your specific needs.

Steps to Utilize the VA Loan:

  1. Preparation: Begin by checking your eligibility and obtaining the COE. Assess your financial situation, credit score, and debt-to-income ratio to understand your borrowing capacity.
  2. Select a VA-Approved Lender: Not all lenders offer VA Loans, so it’s crucial to choose a reputable lender with experience in handling these loans. Research and compare lenders to find the one that best suits your needs.
  3. Home Search: Once you’re pre-approved for a VA Loan, begin your home search. Consider factors such as location, size, and amenities. It’s essential to find a property within your VA Loan limit.
  4. Make an Offer: Work with your real estate agent to make a competitive yet reasonable offer on the property. Remember, your offer should be within the appraised value to align with VA guidelines.
  5. Home Inspection: Schedule a home inspection to identify any potential issues with the property. This step is crucial for your peace of mind and may allow negotiation on the purchase price or repairs.
  6. Loan Approval: After your offer is accepted, the lender will proceed with the loan approval process. Provide all necessary documents promptly to ensure a smooth transaction.
  7. Closing: Attend the closing process, where you’ll sign the necessary paperwork and officially become a homeowner. The VA Loan program aims to make this process as straightforward as possible.

The VA Loan is a powerful resource designed to support the brave men and women who have served our country. By understanding the eligibility requirements and following these steps, veterans can navigate the homebuying process with confidence. As you embark on this exciting journey, remember that homeownership is not only a financial investment but a symbol of your hard-earned achievements.

Follow me on Instagram and YouTube for more helpful tips.

Read my Free E-Book

A Comprehensive guide to Buying a house utilizing an FHA Loan


Buying a house is a significant milestone that often marks a crucial step towards financial stability and personal fulfillment. For many aspiring homeowners, securing a mortgage is a key aspect of this journey. Among the various mortgage options available, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan stands out as a popular choice, especially for first-time buyers. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the ins and outs of purchasing a home with an FHA loan, shedding light on the benefits, eligibility criteria, and key considerations.

Understanding FHA Loans:
The FHA, a government agency, insures loans issued by approved lenders, making homeownership more accessible for those who may not qualify for conventional mortgages. One of the main advantages of an FHA loan is the lower down payment requirement, typically set at 3.5% of the purchase price. This feature makes homeownership achievable for individuals with modest savings or limited financial resources.

Eligibility Criteria:
To benefit from an FHA loan, potential homebuyers must meet specific eligibility criteria. These include a minimum credit score, a stable employment history, and a debt-to-income ratio within acceptable limits. FHA loans are designed to assist a broad range of applicants, making them particularly attractive for those with lower credit scores or a limited credit history.

Benefits of FHA Loans:

  1. Low Down Payment: The most noteworthy advantage is the lower down payment requirement, allowing buyers to enter the housing market with a more manageable upfront cost.
  2. Flexible Credit Requirements: FHA loans are known for their flexibility in credit score requirements, making homeownership accessible to individuals who might face challenges qualifying for conventional mortgages.
  3. Competitive Interest Rates: FHA loans often come with competitive interest rates, enhancing affordability for borrowers.
  4. Assumable Mortgages: FHA loans are assumable, meaning that if you sell your home, the new buyer can take over your existing FHA loan, potentially offering a valuable selling point.

Key Considerations:

  1. Mortgage Insurance Premiums (MIP): FHA loans require both an upfront and annual mortgage insurance premium, which adds to the overall cost. Understanding these premiums is crucial for budgeting purposes.
  2. Property Requirements: FHA loans have specific property standards, and the home must meet these criteria to be eligible. Conducting thorough inspections and ensuring the property complies with FHA guidelines is vital.
  3. Loan Limits: FHA loan limits vary by location and are subject to change annually. Prospective buyers should be aware of the limits in their desired area.


Navigating the home buying process with an FHA loan can be a rewarding experience, especially for first-time buyers or those with limited financial resources. By understanding the benefits, eligibility criteria, and key considerations, prospective homeowners can make informed decisions, turning their dream of homeownership into a reality. As with any significant financial decision, thorough research and consultation with mortgage professionals are essential steps on this exciting journey toward owning a home.

Follow me on Instagram and YouTube for more helpful tips.

Read my Free E-Book

The Good and the Bad when owning Rental Property

Do you have ambitions of owning rental property one day? Well, let’s talk a little about the pros and cons of owning a rental property. First, let us set the mood.

Let’s say YOU are currently living in a home that you purchased 3 years ago with your “at the time” partner.

Possible outcome #1: Partner leaves you and now you are stuck footing all the bills for this home that you thought would be your forever home. When in fact, you purchased the home in your name only, at the maximum market value.

Possible outcome #2: You marry your partner, start a family, pay off the home in 30 years, and live happily ever after. (The American Dream)(Right!!?)

Possible outcome #3: You and your partner get on good terms with one of your local Real Estate Investment Groups, where you discover that you have been hustling backwards for the last 3 years. (Wake the HECK up!!)

The American dream is just that, a DREAM! There is only one way you get to live life the way it should be lived, and that’s through financial freedom. There are tons of ways to get rich, but your chances are slim to none that 90% of those ways will work in your favor.

Lottery: NEGATIVE

Inheritance: Good Luck breaking the generational curse

Hard Work for 40 hours a week for 30 years: MUAHAHAHAH!!!!

I hope you guys are paying attention. This stuff is free education! This is the stuff your parents should have been telling you instead of sending you to expensive private schools and getting nothing in return. If I am offending you, then good. My goal is to enlighten you, not to baby you. I want you to get up and go get what is yours. No one is saying it will be easy, but you can be sure it is worth it!

GOOD (Pros) to owning Rental Property:

  1. You collect rent from other people: Now to some folks this sounds pretty cool. Well d@mn it, it is!! People are literally paying your mortgage and increasing your equity. If purchased correctly, your property can cash flow immediately and potentially front you money for an additional property once refinanced.
  2. The tax benefits associated with owning rental property is a true cheat code. The government intentionally put into place incentives that benefit investors.
  3. Long term appreciation is a huge benefit of own rental property. Not only are your tenants paying down your mortgage for you (if you have a mortgage) but they are also helping to increase the value of your home over the long term. So once you decide to offload the asset, you should bring in a significantly higher price then you paid for the home.

BAD (Cons) to owning Rental Property:

  1. Late night tenant calls. These are super annoying and can cost you profit if it is a real issue they are calling about. Sometimes the calls are due to user error on behalf of the tenant.
  2. Possible loss of profit due to delinquent rents. This can be avoided by properly screening your tenants. Don’t budge on your screening criteria because it will certainly bite you in the wallet.
  3. Routine maintenance and paperwork. Although I don’t completely believe this is a bad thing, maintenance can be a hassle and tracking paperwork is definitely a hassle.

Ultimately, owning rental property is a win for anyone who has the determination and foresight to take on the project. The reward definitely outweighs the risk when you utilize the proper methods to maximize strategies needed to achieve your goal of financial freedom.

VIEW MY FREE E-BOOK

What you don’t know may or may not hurt you…

Did you know that in 2022, there were an estimated 16.2 million veterans living in the U.S.? Out of that 16.2 million, 5 million are receiving Disability Compensation through the Veterans Administration (VA). Check out the data.

https://www.benefits.va.gov/REPORTS/index.asp

What we wanted to highlight is the need for information within our community. As I walk through my community and neighboring communities, I continuously encounter veterans who themselves have not looked into the possibility of receiving assistance for issues they have accumulated while serving their country.

I am a huge advocate for helping someone in need, so when I noticed this disconnect, I took it upon myself to search for a solution. While searching for this solution, I came to the conclusion that myself and the folks around me are the solution. This is something we do without even noticing we are doing it. But how do we reach the folks in need? This is where YOU come in. If you are reading this post and you know a Veteran who may need guidance and who may not be aware of the tools available to them, make it your mission to find them help because not getting that help may or may not hurt them! Heck, you can even direct them to this page. I’ll be standing by to assist.

https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/about/data-reporting/suicide-prevention-data.asp

If you are receiving disability and are not satisfied with your rating, check out the folks at ReeMedical. They are fully staffed and are almost guaranteed to increase your compensation. Don’t forget to enter my referral code “CLARENCECU25” to receive additional discounts.

https://page.go.reemedical.com/referral

VIEW MY FREE E-BOOK

What is your worth?

What exactly is wealth? According to the dictionary, wealth is happiness. Let’s look at the definition of wealthy. Did you see the difference? Two seemingly similar words with almost completely different definitions. One easier to obtain over the other….right? So they may lead you to believe. But in fact, you can be wealthy and happy sooner than you my believe. Let’s look at a few scenarios.

First we have John. John is a college educated manager for a well know chain of hotels on the lower east side of Manhattan, in New York City. Wow, the Big Apple. John loves his work and doesn’t see himself leaving the industry any time soon. John lives around his work for the convenience of walking to work daily. John rents his home for $3500 a month. He makes plenty so this does not affect John at the moment. John also has student loans that he will be paying until he is 40 (but he doesn’t know this yet). John has a nice BMW 7 series, a girl friend, 2 dogs and a goldfish. Let’s not worry to much about the goldfish.

Next we have Samantha. Let’s call her Sam for short. Sam has a high school diploma which is good enough for most jobs. Sam is a 30 year old single mom who loves to travel. Her kids are home schooled and also loves to travel and spend time with mom. They get plenty of quality time together because Samantha doesn’t work, at least not in the traditional way. Sam has 2 vehicles, a boat, a vacation home and a 3200 square foot home in Dallas Texas.

Some of us may see where this is going. Why in the world would anyone prefer John’s situation of Sam’s? The sad thing is, many of us have chosen to live like John and we don’t realize it. John was raised by hard working parents who were unable to equip John with the proper tools that would allow him to enjoy life as it should be enjoyed. Sam on the other hand, had financially savvy aunts and uncles around her 24/7. Her parents worked and left her with family all day. Sam’s aunt and uncle used the time they had with her to educate her financially. They showed Sam why her parents would never have time for her, with out directly saying it of course. This motivated Sam to read and equip herself for financial freedom.

This scenario is an example of how most of us do not realize our true worth. With early intervention and motivation, the sky is the limit. If you take the time to understand where your money is going and what your money can do for you, a whole new world will appear. Yes, it will take time but where do you see yourself in 10 years? Will you be working to pay the rent? Or will you be making money while you sleep! You decide….

Follow me on Instagram and YouTube for more helpful tips.

VIEW MY FREE E-BOOK

IN THE BEGINNING, THERE WAS MAN….

When you are born, you were a blank slate. All of your knowledge came from your parents/guardians, teachers and peers. In today’s society, knowledge is literally at your fingertips. The device you hold in your hand may be the key to unlocking your earning potential. A simple Google search may earn you a life time of financial freedom. The trick is to know where to find it. I follow a famous entrepreneur by the name of Robert Kiyosaki, the author of “Rich dad, Poor dad”. Some folks call his book the “Bible” of wealth building. I read this book, or listen to the audio book, at least 5 times a year, sometimes more. I use it to keep me motivated in my journey to the ultimate goal of a Luxurious Lifestyle. I promise you we’ll get there together.

Here is a video to keep you motivated and ready to push…

VIEW MY FREE E-BOOK

Financial Freedom

What are you building?

Where does your loyalty lay? Is it with the bank that charges you ridiculous amounts of interest over your lifetime. Is it with the school system that grooms you to take on student loans than an undesirable job to pay back the loan for 20 years. Is it your 9 to 5. The same 9 to 5 that consumes your entire adult life. The 9 to 5 that leads you to believe a pension is the answer to all of your problems. The same 9 to 5 that pays you $100 only to allow the government to take $50 in tax, social security, consumer tax, health insurance…etc. I’ll tell you where mines lay, and that’s in myself!! I am determined to continue building on the foundation I poured while on my path to Financial Freedom. But what is Financial Freedom? Is it being able to afford all the luxuries that you ever desired? Is it buying that new 2020 truck you seen on television? If so, most of us have already achieved our goal and need not continue our search for knowledge. Go grab a beer and relax! Unfortunately, that beer just helped ruin your future because it just became a liability. You spent $11.95 on that case of beer, plus tax. $12 which could have been used in the future, to help reach the true goal.

The Cashflow Soldier

This is the first post on my new blog. I’m just getting this new blog going, so stay tuned for more. Subscribe below to get notified when I post new updates.

VIEW MY FREE E-BOOK