Looking for 1st deal

Looking for 1st deal

New to Real Estate · Huntsville Al · Member since 2023 · 55 posts · 19 votes

Hello,

I’m looking for my first deal within 100 miles of Huntsville Al. I have a primary residence currently am open to making that a rental also. I want to buy and hold and have enough for about 20-25% of 165-175k for investment down payment. I would like cash flow. If I could find a multifamily to househack that may be a better option for 5%. I’m looking forward to connecting with agents, lenders, wholesalers, and other investors in Alabama 

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Lindsay DavisBusiness Member
Real Estate Broker · Birmingham, AL · Member since 2019 · 327 posts · 203 votes
2y

@Michael Behr,

Welcome to BiggerPockets! Since you have a primary residence in the area, you’re probably already aware of this, but it’ll be tough to find a property in Huntsville proper within your $165,000 to $175,000 budget.

Luckily, your 100-mile radius puts a handful of nearby (and more affordable!) markets on your radar. For example, places like Decatur and Hartselle—which are 25 and 35 miles southwest of Huntsville, respectively—could work well on your budget. As for the numbers, we’re seeing $150,000 single-family homes in Decatur yield $1,250+ in monthly gross rents, so there are definitely some strong candidates for cash flow in the area.

See this reply in the discussion

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  • Huntsville, AL · Member since 2018 · 579 posts · 864 votes
    2y

    @Michael Behr - cash flow in Huntsville right now is very difficult.  

    Doing a house hack is likely your best option right now.  

    Be careful with multifamily, as too much new multifamily has been built here in the recent past - depending on the rent level, getting tenants may not be that easy.  

  • Property Manager · Florence, AL · Member since 2024 · 34 posts · 17 votes
    2y

    Hey @Michael Behr

    Exciting to hear that you're diving into real estate investing, and Huntsville, AL, trust me, we love it here, this is a great place to start! Here's some guidance on finding your first deal:

    - Define Your Criteria

    - Explore Financing Options: With your budget for a down payment, you have several financing options to explore. Conventional loans typically require a 20-25% down payment, while FHA loans for owner-occupied multifamily properties may allow for a lower down payment, around 3.5%. Connect with lenders specializing in investment properties to discuss your financing options and get pre-approved.

    - Network with Local Professionals: Connecting with agents, lenders, wholesalers, and fellow investors in Alabama is a crucial step in finding your first deal. Attend local real estate meetups.

    - Search for Properties: Start your property search by browsing listings on real estate websites, working with a knowledgeable agent who understands the investment market in Huntsville, and exploring off-market deals through wholesalers and networking connections.

    - Analyze Deals Thoroughly: Once you identify potential properties, conduct thorough due diligence and financial analysis to ensure they meet your investment criteria. Consider factors such as rental income potential, expenses, vacancy rates, and potential for appreciation.

    - Negotiate and Close: When you find a property that aligns with your investment goals, work with your agent to negotiate the best possible deal.

    By following these steps and staying proactive in your search, you'll be well on your way to finding your first investment property in Huntsville, AL.

    Best of luck on your real estate investing journey!

  • Real Estate Agent · Member since 2021 · 37 posts · 15 votes
    2y

    Hi David, I'm a Realtor and Property Manager in Huntsville AL who specializes in working with investors! Feel free to reach out with any questions!

  • Lindsay DavisBusiness Member
    Real Estate Broker · Birmingham, AL · Member since 2019 · 327 posts · 203 votes
    2y

    @Michael Behr,

    Welcome to BiggerPockets! Since you have a primary residence in the area, you’re probably already aware of this, but it’ll be tough to find a property in Huntsville proper within your $165,000 to $175,000 budget.

    Luckily, your 100-mile radius puts a handful of nearby (and more affordable!) markets on your radar. For example, places like Decatur and Hartselle—which are 25 and 35 miles southwest of Huntsville, respectively—could work well on your budget. As for the numbers, we’re seeing $150,000 single-family homes in Decatur yield $1,250+ in monthly gross rents, so there are definitely some strong candidates for cash flow in the area.

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