Best Neighborhoods in Tampa, FL for First Cash Flow Investment Property

[Graham Reblitz]

Hi All,

My investment partner and I are currently conducting some early research on strong areas to purchase a cash flow rental, likely in late 2023/early 2024 (our first foray into real estate investing). We have family ties to the Tampa/St. Petersburg area in FL (also looking a bit in Sarasota), and upon some initial digging, we've determined that these could be potentially solid areas to start our real estate portfolio. For background, we're looking at condos/apartments, single family homes in the price range of $250-$350K. For any investors who are knowledgeable about these areas or are currently active here, are there any particular neighborhoods, zip codes that stand out as good starting points. Any extra advice on other considerations would be greatly appreciated!

[Nick C.]

Don't buy in the cheapest neighborhoods, those returns are much better on paper than real life. 

If you buy a condo watch out for the HOA fees and their bylaws.

Try seminole heights, central Pinellas county, or look up in Pasco, you'll get a much better house and neighborhood for that price range.