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Updated over 1 year ago, 08/08/2023

User Stats

9
Posts
1
Votes
Yael Lanciano
1
Votes |
9
Posts

New to investing - don't know what market to start with

Yael Lanciano
Posted

Hi! 

I have one short term rental property and am looking to invest in a second property. I am currently in Phoenix, AZ, but not sure if this is the best place to continue investing. How do I know where to invest next? 

Thank you! 

User Stats

57
Posts
33
Votes
Jeffrey Daniels
  • Real Estate Broker
  • Phoenix, AZ
33
Votes |
57
Posts
Jeffrey Daniels
  • Real Estate Broker
  • Phoenix, AZ
Replied

Hi Yael! Congrats on your first post! How is your STR treating you here in Phoenix?

User Stats

199
Posts
92
Votes
Noah Corwick
Pro Member
  • Realtor
  • Phoenix, AZ
92
Votes |
199
Posts
Noah Corwick
Pro Member
  • Realtor
  • Phoenix, AZ
Replied

Hey Yael!

Welcome to BiggerPockets!

AZ has become a confusing market from a rental point of view. 

As for the AZ market overall, it all really just depends on the type of investment that you are looking to target. I'd love to brainstorm some ideas with you if you are open to it. 

  • Noah Corwick
  • [email protected]
  • NREIG  logo
    NREIG
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    Sponsored
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    User Stats

    938
    Posts
    757
    Votes
    Jake Andronico
    Agent
    #5 House Hacking Contributor
    • Realtor
    • Reno, NV
    757
    Votes |
    938
    Posts
    Jake Andronico
    Agent
    #5 House Hacking Contributor
    • Realtor
    • Reno, NV
    Replied

    @Yael Lanciano Congrats on getting an STR already!

    A lot of people (myself included) have the "grass is always greener" mentality. If you're in the STR space and just continue getting better, slowly adding more units, and hiring to get more things off of your plate, is there anything wrong with that?

    Not saying you should or shouldn't explore other things or other areas, just wanted to throw it out there :)

    • Jake Andronico
    • 415-233-1796

    User Stats

    9
    Posts
    1
    Votes
    Yael Lanciano
    1
    Votes |
    9
    Posts
    Yael Lanciano
    Replied
    Quote from @Jeffrey Daniels:

    Hi Yael! Congrats on your first post! How is your STR treating you here in Phoenix?

     Hi! It's treating me well so far! Making money, but it hasn't been a year yet so I'm going to do a full analysis at the end of January. I'll keep you posted! 

    User Stats

    9
    Posts
    1
    Votes
    Yael Lanciano
    1
    Votes |
    9
    Posts
    Yael Lanciano
    Replied
    Quote from @Jake Andronico:

    @Yael Lanciano Congrats on getting an STR already!

    A lot of people (myself included) have the "grass is always greener" mentality. If you're in the STR space and just continue getting better, slowly adding more units, and hiring to get more things off of your plate, is there anything wrong with that?

    Not saying you should or shouldn't explore other things or other areas, just wanted to throw it out there :)


     I hear you, I think I just like the idea of having a place somewhere that isn't so seasonal, but I guess that's everywhere. Thanks for the tip! 

    User Stats

    9
    Posts
    1
    Votes
    Yael Lanciano
    1
    Votes |
    9
    Posts
    Yael Lanciano
    Replied
    Quote from @Noah Corwick:

    Hey Yael!

    Welcome to BiggerPockets!

    AZ has become a confusing market from a rental point of view. 

    As for the AZ market overall, it all really just depends on the type of investment that you are looking to target. I'd love to brainstorm some ideas with you if you are open to it. 


     I'd love that! Let's connect. 

    User Stats

    938
    Posts
    757
    Votes
    Jake Andronico
    Agent
    #5 House Hacking Contributor
    • Realtor
    • Reno, NV
    757
    Votes |
    938
    Posts
    Jake Andronico
    Agent
    #5 House Hacking Contributor
    • Realtor
    • Reno, NV
    Replied
    Quote from @Yael Lanciano:
    Quote from @Jake Andronico:

    @Yael Lanciano Congrats on getting an STR already!

    A lot of people (myself included) have the "grass is always greener" mentality. If you're in the STR space and just continue getting better, slowly adding more units, and hiring to get more things off of your plate, is there anything wrong with that?

    Not saying you should or shouldn't explore other things or other areas, just wanted to throw it out there :)


     I hear you, I think I just like the idea of having a place somewhere that isn't so seasonal, but I guess that's everywhere. Thanks for the tip! 

    Gotcha, makes sense. With STR's that's certainly more common. Up in Tahoe there is a busy season in the Winter AND Summer, but the shoulders are a lot slower. 

    Best of luck to you on your search!!
    • Jake Andronico
    • 415-233-1796

    User Stats

    9
    Posts
    1
    Votes
    Yael Lanciano
    1
    Votes |
    9
    Posts
    Yael Lanciano
    Replied
    Quote from @Jake Andronico:
    Quote from @Yael Lanciano:
    Quote from @Jake Andronico:

    @Yael Lanciano Congrats on getting an STR already!

    A lot of people (myself included) have the "grass is always greener" mentality. If you're in the STR space and just continue getting better, slowly adding more units, and hiring to get more things off of your plate, is there anything wrong with that?

    Not saying you should or shouldn't explore other things or other areas, just wanted to throw it out there :)


     I hear you, I think I just like the idea of having a place somewhere that isn't so seasonal, but I guess that's everywhere. Thanks for the tip! 

    Gotcha, makes sense. With STR's that's certainly more common. Up in Tahoe there is a busy season in the Winter AND Summer, but the shoulders are a lot slower. 

    Best of luck to you on your search!!

     Thank you! 

    User Stats

    4,826
    Posts
    3,755
    Votes
    Nicholas L.
    Pro Member
    #1 Out of State Investing Contributor
    • Flipper/Rehabber
    • Pittsburgh
    3,755
    Votes |
    4,826
    Posts
    Nicholas L.
    Pro Member
    #1 Out of State Investing Contributor
    • Flipper/Rehabber
    • Pittsburgh
    Replied

    @Yael Lanciano

    start local. even if that's 1-2 hours away. go to REIA meetings, talk to agents, network, look at dozens of properties.

  • Nicholas L.
  • User Stats

    9,861
    Posts
    5,546
    Votes
    Eliott Elias#5 BRRRR - Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat Contributor
    • Investor
    • Austin, TX
    5,546
    Votes |
    9,861
    Posts
    Eliott Elias#5 BRRRR - Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat Contributor
    • Investor
    • Austin, TX
    Replied

    Invest in your backyard. Being a remote real estate investor does not work unless you have a solid team.

    User Stats

    9
    Posts
    1
    Votes
    Yael Lanciano
    1
    Votes |
    9
    Posts
    Yael Lanciano
    Replied
    Quote from @Nicholas L.:

    @Yael Lanciano

    start local. even if that's 1-2 hours away. go to REIA meetings, talk to agents, network, look at dozens of properties.

    Thank you!

    User Stats

    9
    Posts
    1
    Votes
    Yael Lanciano
    1
    Votes |
    9
    Posts
    Yael Lanciano
    Replied
    Quote from @Eliott Elias:

    Invest in your backyard. Being a remote real estate investor does not work unless you have a solid team.

    Solid advice thank you!
    CV3 Financial logo
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    User Stats

    785
    Posts
    456
    Votes
    January Johnson
    • Real Estate Agent
    • Emerald Coast, FL
    456
    Votes |
    785
    Posts
    January Johnson
    • Real Estate Agent
    • Emerald Coast, FL
    Replied
    Quote from @Yael Lanciano:

    Hi! 

    I have one short term rental property and am looking to invest in a second property. I am currently in Phoenix, AZ, but not sure if this is the best place to continue investing. How do I know where to invest next? 

    Thank you! 


    A lot depends on the kind of loan you want to take on.  You can do a 10%-down, second-home loan in markets that are at least 50 miles from your primary residence, but you can't do 2 in any one market.  Then again, sometimes it pays to build an empire in one spot if you have a good team (cleaners, handymen, inspectors, etc.).  Good luck to you!

    User Stats

    27,448
    Posts
    40,393
    Votes
    Nathan Gesner
    Property Manager
    Agent
    Pro Member
    • Real Estate Broker
    • Cody, WY
    40,393
    Votes |
    27,448
    Posts
    Nathan Gesner
    Property Manager
    Agent
    Pro Member
    • Real Estate Broker
    • Cody, WY
    ModeratorReplied
    Quote from @Yael Lanciano:

    Hi! 

    I have one short term rental property and am looking to invest in a second property. I am currently in Phoenix, AZ, but not sure if this is the best place to continue investing. How do I know where to invest next? 

    Thank you! 


    Look for Dave Meyers in the BiggerPockets blogs or on their YouTube channel. He's the number cruncher for BiggerPockets and regularly talks about the hottest markets to invest, with data to back up his recommendations.

    • Nathan Gesner
    business profile image
    The DIY Landlord
    4.7 stars
    151 Reviews

    User Stats

    9
    Posts
    1
    Votes
    Yael Lanciano
    1
    Votes |
    9
    Posts
    Yael Lanciano
    Replied

    Awesome will do thank you!

    User Stats

    9
    Posts
    1
    Votes
    Yael Lanciano
    1
    Votes |
    9
    Posts
    Yael Lanciano
    Replied
    Quote from @January Johnson:
    Quote from @Yael Lanciano:

    Hi! 

    I have one short term rental property and am looking to invest in a second property. I am currently in Phoenix, AZ, but not sure if this is the best place to continue investing. How do I know where to invest next? 

    Thank you! 


    A lot depends on the kind of loan you want to take on.  You can do a 10%-down, second-home loan in markets that are at least 50 miles from your primary residence, but you can't do 2 in any one market.  Then again, sometimes it pays to build an empire in one spot if you have a good team (cleaners, handymen, inspectors, etc.).  Good luck to you!


     Good info thank you so much! 

    User Stats

    189
    Posts
    128
    Votes
    Alex Hileman
    • Real Estate Agent
    • Pittsburgh, PA
    128
    Votes |
    189
    Posts
    Alex Hileman
    • Real Estate Agent
    • Pittsburgh, PA
    Replied

    Welcome Yael! 

    Check out AirDNA. It's a website that gives you data and market trends on short term rentals. You can search any city or zip code. It will even give you recommendations on pricing and help you pick a market with demand for short term rentals.

    User Stats

    61
    Posts
    46
    Votes
    Replied

    Drive around neighborhoods. See which ones are bound to come up in near future. Maybe you see some condos coming up or breweries. Go where the neighborhoods are becoming "hip" Don't focus solely on cash flow but also equity growth and type of people you are willing to handle at your property. 

    Also, be patient. Find a property that just needs sweat equity and for a good price. May look outdated and uglier than hell but is that something you can fix mostly yourself? If so, I would hop on that one. Sometimes it takes months or a year to find the perfect property. Don't rush your first ones, as these could be the ones that grow quickly in equity and give you better returns and financing options like HELOCS to fund your next properties without using your own cash. Good luck!

    User Stats

    12
    Posts
    9
    Votes
    Stacey Clark
    • Investor
    9
    Votes |
    12
    Posts
    Stacey Clark
    • Investor
    Replied

    Hi Yael! I tend to make my STR investment decisions based on mill rates and property taxes. Then I focus on those lower-tax locations that have a need - vacation areas, near hospitals, universities, etc. I know that sounds too generic but I know that taxes are inevitable and housing will always be in demand. I think the area you are focused on is a fantastic area. Sometimes focusing on one area in the beginning can help you grow, to learn to manage across borders. Get those processes in place now to grow later :)

    User Stats

    2,616
    Posts
    896
    Votes
    Dave Skow
    • Lender
    • Seattle, WA
    896
    Votes |
    2,616
    Posts
    Dave Skow
    • Lender
    • Seattle, WA
    Replied

    @Yael Lanciano- consider 1)  investing  close to where  you live   2) consider   places that you have  familiarity with  3)  consider areas  that you have some  connections / contacts 

    User Stats

    150
    Posts
    68
    Votes
    Nader Shariff
    • Detroit, MI
    68
    Votes |
    150
    Posts
    Nader Shariff
    • Detroit, MI
    Replied

    Hi Yael,

    Not sure if investing in your own backyard is possible. However, if prices are too high or returns no longer make sense - perhaps look into markets out of state. 

    Right now - my team and I are in the Detroit, MI marketplace and have found a bit of success there. I would strongly suggest looking there.