First out of State Rental Unit in Garland, Texas?

Question

Hi!

I'm currently in LA, CA and I'm looking into investing in Garland, Texas. My main reason behind choosing this location is because I have family living around this city and I would like to find something that I can do STR and if I want to visit my family I would have a place to stay as well.

This would be my first rental property and I would like to hear opinions from people who have or are investing in the area. Would you recommend the area or any area close by?

Vu Trinh · Answer

Thank you for the information Joe. That's very good to know. My family are located in Carrollton and Rowlett so that's why I was suggested to look into Garland.

Gonzalo Gaston · Answer

Garland as a whole does not have an immediate appeal for STR. Furthermore, Garland in general is an area where you have to know very well the area, or risk getting into a different class of rental from what you expected. If you are a long distance investor without first hand knowledge, I would look for another city in the Metro Plex.

Vu Trinh · Answer

I have not. Would you be able to guide me to where that might be? Thank you Lucia.

Joe Funari · Answer

@Vu Trinh I am fellow investor and realtor working in the Dallas/F.t Worth area. My experience is that Garland is more of a LTR community than a STR.The main reason is people living within the Garland ISD boundaries can pick any school to attend. Thus, schools there get high ratings. Thus, popular for long term tenants. But since you are visiting family located there why not give a shot. But there are other communities in North Dallas County I would prefer over Garland for STR exit strategy. But they are also more expensive than Garland. Just reach out to me directly if you want to get more insights.

Lucia Rushton · Answer

@Vu Trinh have you looked into the landlord guidelines in garland ?

Brian Bohrer · Answer

I love the idea of purchase an STR in an area where you regularly visit! Beyond having a place to stay when you need it, you can also write off the travel expenses to that area because you will be "inspecting your investment" while you are there! Great strategy! Unfortunately, I do not know the area, but it sounds like you should have some boots on the ground to help you find the perfect property!

I wish you the best on your investment journey! Take Care,

I wish you the best on your investment journey!  Take Care,

Wale Lawal · Answer

@Vu Trinh

The system for buying out of state rental property varies from one investor to the next, so there’s no one-size-fits-all formula to follow.

However, while even though goals and investment strategies are different, there are some general guidelines to consider before investing in rentals that are out of your home state:

• Look for markets with vibrant economies, strong population and job growth, and low unemployment rates
• Use the free rental property analyzer in this article to forecast the potential return of a property. Simply enter some information to view projected key return on investment (ROI) metrics, including cash flow, cash-on-cash return, net operating income, and cap rate.
• Minimize risk by investing in a pre-inspected, turnkey rental property with a tenant in place to earn cash flow beginning the day the deal closes
• Begin the loan application process early, because sometimes lenders require more paperwork than when you’re financing in your home state
• Hire a good local property manager who has experience working with out of state investors

While buying out of state rental property does come with some risk, investing the right way helps to minimize those risk while maximizing the overall returns of your property portfolio:

• Key reasons for investing out of state include increasing cash flow and portfolio diversification.
• Affordability, matching markets with investment strategy, and property affordability are three advantages to buying real estate out of state.
• Turnkey rental property and a local property manager help to reduce the risk of investing outside of your home state.

All the best!

Bruce Lynn · Answer

@Vu Trinh   Garland is probably one of the toughest cities in the Metroplex on investors....so be sure for yourself that is a great decision.   I don't hear anyone thinking Garland is a great STR market, but could be....or maybe you are the only one.   They do require rental registration and inspections from what I remember, so to me your home has to be in better condition for example than owner/occupied neighbors.   That's unfair to me.  I believe it is $65/year and inspection at every tenant turnover.   It has been very frustrating to many owners.

You can look at some of the rental information here.  https://www.garlandtx.gov/306/...   Not sure if they have STR restrictions or registration or not.

Also Garland runs their own electric company and that may make things more expensive on utilities.  Check into that.  Many areas of Texas you have a choice of electric companies.  Compare prices and see how that impacts returns.

Philip M. · Answer

I live in and have several rentals in Garland. I like the area. All of mine are long term so I don't know how well short term would do.

Ali Radoncic · Answer

Hello Vu, please check your PM

First out of State Rental Unit in Garland, Texas?

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