Narrowing down our buy box to specific neighborhoods in Huntsville

[Rachel Hadass]

Hi everyone,

I'm an OOS investor in the SF Bay Area looking at purchasing a SFR in the Huntsville AL area but trying to hone in on the specific neighborhoods that might make sense. My primary goal is long term appreciation and I'll accept a property that breaks even on cash flow. I'm also hoping to find something that is ideally under market value that needs cosmetic upgrading so there is some value add. I'm trying to evaluate the city of Huntsville, Madison, Harvest, Owens Cross Roads, Meridianville, New Market, Hazel Green and Toney.

For anyone that has experience investing in these areas, I'd appreciate your insight on the following:

- What areas have the highest tenant demand and why? What are the demographics (eg, mostly families, young professionals, etc)? 

- Are there certain areas you would stay away from and why (eg, high crime, bad schools, poor quality builds, etc)?

- Would you recommend trying to rent to Section 8 tenants? If so, are there certain areas that would work best?

- Where are the areas with the tightest inventory?

- Are there areas that would work well as a mid-term or short-term rental in addition to long-term?

Thanks!