Way to Get into Real Estate In Expensive Market

Way to Get into Real Estate In Expensive Market

Member since 2026 · 17 posts · 22 votes

As a resident in San Jose Market area and the only place I know for longer period of time. Being a w2 employee with little salary and don't want to risk getting a loan more than I can afford and handle the monthly payment when get into the Bay area's market. Do I have to explore out of the area or just face the market that I already know for a long time since I live here?

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Rental Property Investor · San Francisco Bay Area · Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
8mo
Quote from @Bradley Buxton:


Real estate investing isn’t a one-size-fits-all path where doing X guarantees financial freedom. There’s no single formula. Your strategy should fit your capital, energy, risk tolerance, and lifestyle.

Instead of rushing into your first deal, take time to explore your local market. Connect with other investors and ask about their experiences—especially those who’ve invested in California. Despite its challenges, California remains a highly desirable place to live, and there are opportunities for those who invest wisely.

You don’t necessarily need to go 1,000 miles away to find a “better” market. Sometimes the right fit is closer than you think. That said, if you’re considering out-of-state investing, be sure to talk to people like @Becca F., who has great insights on both in-state and out-of-state strategies.

Building a trusted team takes time—whether it’s across the country or in your own backyard. So slow down, learn from others, and then take informed action. The right foundation will serve you better in the long run.

Thanks for the mention Brad. Of course, it wouldn't make sense to try to buy a $2million SFH in San Jose and rent it out. Not to pry too much about your financial situation, I'd recommend talking to a lender and see what you could qualify for in terms or a loan and purchase price. If you house hack you can 3.5% FHA loan, 5% to 10% conventional or a VA loan (if you're a veteran).

To the OP, when you said "little salary" I do know people who are househacking and they don't make $400k tech incomes but some things stood out in your comments: 

You also mentioned putting down comfortably $10k - in full transparency, I think you need to save up a lot more money or increase your income. I don't think you have enough cash reserves to buy a property anywhere. I say this to not be mean or discouraging but If you're spread financially thin, this could be a disaster. 

 I'd recommend networking with local meet up groups in the Bay Area. You may need to look in a less expensive part of the Bay Area (e.g East Bay) or maybe within a 2 hour drive. Sacramento comes to mind. You mentioned Stockton - I'm not the biggest fan of that area with high pockets of crime.

I do NOT think buying inexpensive properties far away where you have no connection is a wise move - if you have family or friends in these states where you could fly there often that might be a different story. You can read some of my older posts but I have both positive (Class A nice suburb SFH home bought in 2013) and negative outcomes (Class C bought in 2023, lost over $80k) from buying in the Midwest.

It's better to do no deal than a bad deal which would crush you financially. Btw I have nothing to sell you.

If you DM me I could put you in contact with some investors in San Jose and other parts of the Bay Area if you want to get other perspectives. 

See this reply in the discussion

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  • Real Estate Broker · Indianapolis, IN · Member since 2026 · 21 posts · 11 votes
    8mo

    Hi Martin,

    You almost never want your first deal to be where you live if the numbers don't work, and San Jose numbers usually don't work on a W2 without stretching. Knowing the area helps, but cash flow and downside protection matter more than familiarity. A simple check is rent minus PITI minus 10 percent management minus 10 percent maintenance and if that's negative you are subsidizing the deal every month. Most people in your spot buy their first one out of area in a boring cash flowing market, learn the business, then come back later if they want appreciation plays. What purchase price and realistic rent are you seeing around you right now and how much cash are you comfortable putting down?

  • Member since 2026 · 17 posts · 22 votes
    8mo

    To 

    Brooke Newport

    Most purchase price are way over 2 million dollars I'm seeing around around me currently. This is in Los Altos area since its way beyond my affordability such as pay down, monthly expenses. I can only think about only comfortable putting down under 10,000.

  • Real Estate Broker · Indianapolis, IN · Member since 2026 · 21 posts · 11 votes
    8mo

    With 2M prices in Los Altos and under 10k to put down, buying locally just isn’t realistic and that’s not a knock on you, it’s math. Even if you could get a loan, the monthly burn would crush you and leave no margin for mistakes. The fastest path for you is an out of state or nearby lower cost market where entry is 150k to 300k and rents actually cover the payment. With 10k you’re likely looking at house hacking a low cost market, partnering, or saving a bit more while you learn underwriting so you don’t rush into a bad deal.

    Are you open to buying out of state and what monthly payment would still let you sleep at night if something went wrong?

  • Member since 2026 · 17 posts · 22 votes
    8mo

    Yes, I'm open to look out of state that I can handle the monthly payment and looking forward to make rent even if something went wrong. 

    To Brooke Newport

  • Jimmy LieuBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus, OH · Member since 2019 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    8mo
    Quote from @Martin Penn:

    As a resident in San Jose Market area and the only place I know for longer period of time. Being a w2 employee with little salary and don't want to risk getting a loan more than I can afford and handle the monthly payment when get into the Bay area's market. Do I have to explore out of the area or just face the market that I already know for a long time since I live here?

    Hey Martin, welcome to BP! I totally get where you’re coming from—San Jose and the Bay Area are expensive, and taking on a big loan with your W2 salary can feel risky, especially when cash flow and monthly payments are a concern. You don’t have to limit yourself to your current area; exploring out-of-state markets can be a smart way to get into investing without over-leveraging, especially if your goal is positive cash flow and building a portfolio you can hold long term. For example, Columbus, Ohio is a market I moved to from Portland in 2020, and it’s still very affordable with properties in the $120K–180K range that can hit the 1% rule and cash flow from day one, plus it has strong job growth, population growth, and major companies like Intel, Amazon, Google, Facebook, Honda, and Microsoft driving long-term appreciation. Starting in a market like that lets you build wealth more safely while you learn the ropes, rather than stretching too far in a high-priced local market. Happy to connect and answer any questions you have!

  • Member since 2026 · 17 posts · 22 votes
    8mo

    To Jimmy Lieu

    You know well about Columbus Ohio since you live there. I'm a bay area resident at least I'm living rent free is good even I don't own a property yet, but I rather start small so that I can handle my expenses from the start. However I have no connections in Columbus Ohio and thats is something I need to connect since that's a long distance and I cannot make long trips to check out. The best strategy is to connect and create a team.

  • Member since 2026 · 17 posts · 22 votes
    8mo

    To Jimmy Lieu and Brooke Newport,

    Both of you have a similar view that investing out of state is somewhat a closer opportunity to help me find my first deal rather than investing in a first property in the Bay area. Right now its important I need to study out of state investing and also need connection to build a team in order to help manage properties there if I get my first deal. I'm still happy that at least I'm living rent free in the Bay area and reducing all my expenses to which it matters for me to save more from what I get paid as a full/overtime w-2 employee.

  • Real Estate Broker · Atlanta · Member since 2024 · 1k+ posts · 606 votes
    8mo

    Martin, this is a very common situation in high-cost markets like San Jose. If affordability and cash flow are concerns, it is often smart to explore out-of-area markets where prices and payments are more manageable. You can still leverage your knowledge of the Bay Area long term but starting in a more affordable market can reduce risk while you build experience and equity.

  • Kerlous TadresBusiness Member
    Realtor · Columbus, OH · Member since 2023 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    8mo
    Hey Martin, You don’t have to move to a new area, but you do need to lower your risk living in one unit and renting the others, or adding a small rental unit, can help cover the payment. If that still feels too heavy, starting in a cheaper area to build experience and savings first is a smart and normal choice.
    Kerlous Tadres | Reafco Real Estate540 Reviews
  • Real Estate Agent · Columbus | Toledo · Member since 2019 · 608 posts · 768 votes
    8mo
    Quote from @Martin Penn:

    As a resident in San Jose Market area and the only place I know for longer period of time. Being a w2 employee with little salary and don't want to risk getting a loan more than I can afford and handle the monthly payment when get into the Bay area's market. Do I have to explore out of the area or just face the market that I already know for a long time since I live here?

    Hey Martin, it is awesome that you are living rent free right now because that gives you a huge head start on saving capital. Before jumping straight to out of state investing, have you considered looking at nearby markets that might be a bit more affordable? You could look into purchasing a multi unit property and having friends be roommates or even investment partners to help cover the costs. Another solid option is renting out a property by the room to maximize your cash flow. If those feel like too much of a stretch right now, try finding active investors in your area and providing them with value by managing their projects or running supplies. It is a great way to earn and learn on the side until you can afford your own place.

  • Member since 2026 · 17 posts · 22 votes
    8mo

    To Anthony L Amos Jr

    Do you know anything about Stockton real estate market? It's outside the bay area which is far lower cost than the Bay area's competitive market. The issue is it's not growing faster but some part of there is affordable but another issue is that city is a high crime neighborhood and only a few places I'm familiar with!

  • Alfath AhmedBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus, OH · Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    8mo
    Quote from @Martin Penn:

    As a resident in San Jose Market area and the only place I know for longer period of time. Being a w2 employee with little salary and don't want to risk getting a loan more than I can afford and handle the monthly payment when get into the Bay area's market. Do I have to explore out of the area or just face the market that I already know for a long time since I live here?


    Buy turnkey duplex deals in Cleveland, OH. You can find them in B- or C+ locations for $140k to $150k off-market. You can use a 15% down DSCR lender, work seller credits, and rent pro-rations/security deposits to lower your downpayment.

    That is how you build some easy cashflow. Make sure property has a good PM and mechanicals are semi-updated.

  • Remington LymanBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus, OH · Member since 2017 · 6k+ posts · 7k+ votes
    8mo
    Quote from @Martin Penn:

    As a resident in San Jose Market area and the only place I know for longer period of time. Being a w2 employee with little salary and don't want to risk getting a loan more than I can afford and handle the monthly payment when get into the Bay area's market. Do I have to explore out of the area or just face the market that I already know for a long time since I live here?


     You can fly out to the market that you are interested in and/or create a team of boots on the ground people. Realtors, lenders, property managers, and contractors

  • Bradley BuxtonBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · NV · Member since 2023 · 1k+ posts · 715 votes
    8mo

    @Martin Penn

    Real estate investing isn’t a one-size-fits-all path where doing X guarantees financial freedom. There’s no single formula. Your strategy should fit your capital, energy, risk tolerance, and lifestyle.

    Instead of rushing into your first deal, take time to explore your local market. Connect with other investors and ask about their experiences—especially those who’ve invested in California. Despite its challenges, California remains a highly desirable place to live, and there are opportunities for those who invest wisely.

    You don’t necessarily need to go 1,000 miles away to find a “better” market. Sometimes the right fit is closer than you think. That said, if you’re considering out-of-state investing, be sure to talk to people like @Becca F., who has great insights on both in-state and out-of-state strategies.

    Building a trusted team takes time—whether it’s across the country or in your own backyard. So slow down, learn from others, and then take informed action. The right foundation will serve you better in the long run.

  • Bradley BuxtonBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · NV · Member since 2023 · 1k+ posts · 715 votes
    8mo

    @Martin Penn

    Real estate investing isn’t a one-size-fits-all path where doing X guarantees financial freedom. There’s no single formula. Your strategy should fit your capital, energy, risk tolerance, and lifestyle.

    Instead of rushing into your first deal, take time to explore your local market. Connect with other investors and ask about their experiences—especially those who’ve invested in California. Despite its challenges, California remains a highly desirable place to live, and there are opportunities for those who invest wisely.

    You don’t necessarily need to go 1,000 miles away to find a “better” market. Sometimes the right fit is closer than you think. That said, if you’re considering out-of-state investing, be sure to talk to people like @Becca F., who has great insights on both in-state and out-of-state strategies.

    Building a trusted team takes time—whether it’s across the country or in your own backyard. So slow down, learn from others, and then take informed action. The right foundation will serve you better in the long run.

    • Rental Property Investor · San Francisco Bay Area · Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
      8mo
      Quote from @Bradley Buxton:


      Real estate investing isn’t a one-size-fits-all path where doing X guarantees financial freedom. There’s no single formula. Your strategy should fit your capital, energy, risk tolerance, and lifestyle.

      Instead of rushing into your first deal, take time to explore your local market. Connect with other investors and ask about their experiences—especially those who’ve invested in California. Despite its challenges, California remains a highly desirable place to live, and there are opportunities for those who invest wisely.

      You don’t necessarily need to go 1,000 miles away to find a “better” market. Sometimes the right fit is closer than you think. That said, if you’re considering out-of-state investing, be sure to talk to people like @Becca F., who has great insights on both in-state and out-of-state strategies.

      Building a trusted team takes time—whether it’s across the country or in your own backyard. So slow down, learn from others, and then take informed action. The right foundation will serve you better in the long run.

      Thanks for the mention Brad. Of course, it wouldn't make sense to try to buy a $2million SFH in San Jose and rent it out. Not to pry too much about your financial situation, I'd recommend talking to a lender and see what you could qualify for in terms or a loan and purchase price. If you house hack you can 3.5% FHA loan, 5% to 10% conventional or a VA loan (if you're a veteran).

      To the OP, when you said "little salary" I do know people who are househacking and they don't make $400k tech incomes but some things stood out in your comments: 

      You also mentioned putting down comfortably $10k - in full transparency, I think you need to save up a lot more money or increase your income. I don't think you have enough cash reserves to buy a property anywhere. I say this to not be mean or discouraging but If you're spread financially thin, this could be a disaster. 

       I'd recommend networking with local meet up groups in the Bay Area. You may need to look in a less expensive part of the Bay Area (e.g East Bay) or maybe within a 2 hour drive. Sacramento comes to mind. You mentioned Stockton - I'm not the biggest fan of that area with high pockets of crime.

      I do NOT think buying inexpensive properties far away where you have no connection is a wise move - if you have family or friends in these states where you could fly there often that might be a different story. You can read some of my older posts but I have both positive (Class A nice suburb SFH home bought in 2013) and negative outcomes (Class C bought in 2023, lost over $80k) from buying in the Midwest.

      It's better to do no deal than a bad deal which would crush you financially. Btw I have nothing to sell you.

      If you DM me I could put you in contact with some investors in San Jose and other parts of the Bay Area if you want to get other perspectives. 

  • Memphis, TN · Member since 2024 · 234 posts · 100 votes
    8mo

    Hey @Martin Penn! That’s a really honest and very common dilemma, especially for folks in the Bay Area.

    Short answer: you don’t have to invest where you live, and in high-cost markets like San Jose, many W-2 investors realistically can’t start locally without taking on a level of risk that doesn’t match their comfort or goals.

    A few things to think about:

    1. Comfort vs. math

    Knowing the Bay Area well is valuable, but at the end of the day the numbers have to work. If buying locally means:

    Stretching your finances

    Being negative cash flow

    Losing sleep over the mortgage

    …that’s usually a sign it’s not the right first market.

    2. Out-of-area doesn’t mean blind

    A lot of successful investors start exactly where you are. Strong local knowledge, but priced out. The key is replacing proximity with a good team:

    Investor-friendly agent

    Solid property manager

    Conservative underwriting

    Once you have that, distance becomes much less of a risk than over-leveraging yourself locally.

    3. First deal = stability, not heroics

    Your first rental doesn’t need to be flashy. It should:

    Cash flow (even modestly)

    Be affordable if something goes wrong

    Help you learn the fundamentals without stress

    That’s often much easier to find outside high-cost coastal markets.

    4. You can still invest locally later

    Many investors start out of state to build cash flow and experience, then come back to their home market later when they have more capital and confidence.

    For context, I’m a real estate agent based in Memphis, TN, and I help a lot of Bay Area and California W-2 investors buy their first rentals out of state specifically because they don’t want to overextend themselves. Markets like Memphis tend to be more forgiving for first deals and learning curves. If you ever want to talk through how people structure that or just compare numbers, I’m happy to help.

    Bottom line:

    - Don’t force a deal just because it’s local.

    - Do choose a market that fits your financial reality today.

    You’re thinking about this the right way.

  • Real Estate Agent · NY · Member since 2026 · 8 posts · 4 votes
    8mo

    I hear you. In the Bay Area, the safest move is not to “force” a purchase just because you live here, it is to buy only when the numbers work for your budget and lifestyle.

    You have a few solid paths, and none of them require taking on a payment you cannot comfortably handle.

    Option 1, Stay in San Jose, but adjust the target
    Focus on what fits your payment, not the median market. That usually means a smaller condo or townhouse, a longer timeline while you build a stronger down payment, or targeting properties with HOA and maintenance profiles you can truly carry. The benefit is you know the neighborhoods, commute, and resale dynamics.

    Option 2, Explore nearby markets before leaving the region
    You do not have to jump out of the area entirely. Many buyers expand their radius to nearby cities that still support Bay Area employment but have a more manageable entry point. This can be a practical middle ground.

    Option 3, Invest out of area while you keep renting locally
    This is common for W2 buyers who want to start building equity without stretching for a primary home in San Jose. You rent where you live, and buy a cash flowing property elsewhere where the price to rent ratio makes more sense. You build experience and equity first, then come back to a Bay Area purchase later.

    How to decide quickly
    If the monthly payment for a San Jose purchase would push your budget, cause stress, or eliminate your ability to save, then it is not the right time to buy there. Your home should improve your stability, not reduce it.

  • Arman AhmedPro Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus Cleveland Dayton, OH · Member since 2024 · 2k+ posts · 946 votes
    8mo

    @Martin Penn

    When local prices make cash flow impossible, it’s often smarter to explore out-of-area markets where rents can cover expenses and growth is possible. Starting elsewhere doesn’t mean abandoning what you know, it just means your first deals can be in a market where your capital goes further and the math works. Focus on learning a smaller, affordable market deeply, building a local team, and getting repeatable systems in place before trying to compete in a high-cost area.

  • Member since 2026 · 17 posts · 22 votes
    8mo

    To Becca F.,

    I'm willing to connect with some investors in San Jose and other parts of the Bay area to get some other people's perspectives on how they succeed.

  • Scott ScovilleBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Sacramento, CA · Member since 2019 · 502 posts · 273 votes
    8mo
    Quote from @Martin Penn:

    As a resident in San Jose Market area and the only place I know for longer period of time. Being a w2 employee with little salary and don't want to risk getting a loan more than I can afford and handle the monthly payment when get into the Bay area's market. Do I have to explore out of the area or just face the market that I already know for a long time since I live here?


    Hey Martin, I work with a lot of bay area bigger pockets members who are investing in the Sacramento market. Happy to connect and chat more about it. 

    Scoville Realty & Investments LLC
  • Real Estate Consultant · Ann Arbor, MI · Member since 2022 · 466 posts · 257 votes
    8mo

    Hi Martin from San Jose, CA-

    Great question! You live and understand the San Jose market and Bay area and are a W-2 Employee. You asked if you have to explore out of area investing or investing in the market you are in knowing it is pricey.

    We have helped clients from San Jose and other pricey markets across the county with their investing goals. As a W-2 Employee, you should be considering short-term rental (STR) property investment because if you "materially participate" in the running of your STR with 500 Hrs a year you can accelerate the depreciation and really reduce your income taxes. This would also help you cover expenses locally in your pricey market.

    In Michigan, we have an abundance of lakes and natural resources so there are many markets that are attractive for STR investors at lower relative price points. We partner with a statewide STR property manager that has a menu of services that you can pick from to get your documented hours.

    To Your Success!

  • V.G JasonPro Member
    Investor · Member since 2022 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    8mo

    Is everyone just going to ignore the reality?


    If you have under $10,000 to put down, you're not ready for real estate. You can definitely get there, but that's a whole different discussion.
    • Rental Property Investor · San Francisco Bay Area · Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
      8mo
      Quote from @V.G Jason:

      Is everyone just going to ignore the reality?


      If you have under $10,000 to put down, you're not ready for real estate. You can definitely get there, but that's a whole different discussion.

       This!!! I counted at least 8 out of state agents suggesting to look outside of the San Jose area.

      I think they all missed his comment about having $10k to put down. 

      Needs to: reduce any unnecessary expenses (e.g cancel subscriptions, no more DoorDash, going out), hopefully there are no high car payments, credit card debt and student loans, increase income  (switch to a different employer, take on a side job, work more overtime). 

      The positives: he said he is living rent free in the Bay Area so hopefully is saving up W2 income (unless there is significant other debt). 

  • Drew SygitBusiness Member
    Property Manager · Royal Oak, MI · Member since 2012 · 12k+ posts · 9k+ votes
    8mo
    Quote from @Martin Penn:

    As a resident in San Jose Market area and the only place I know for longer period of time. Being a w2 employee with little salary and don't want to risk getting a loan more than I can afford and handle the monthly payment when get into the Bay area's market. Do I have to explore out of the area or just face the market that I already know for a long time since I live here?


    You’re ALWAYS better off investing locally, where it’s easier to:

    • Learn the market
    • Network to find deals
    • Network to find contractors
    • Be more hands-on
    • Driveby property to keep tabs on it
    • Network to find a decent Property Management Company (PMC)

    Next best location is somewhere else you lived, where you have an existing network of family & friends to help you as accomplish the above list as needed.

    If you invest OOS, your biggest challenge won't be finding properties to meet your goals on paper, it’ll be successfully outsourcing all of the above.

    The biggest mistake we see OOS investors making in our market, over and over again, is not fully understanding Neighborhood/Property/Tenant Classes and how they impact your probability of success!

    They all run their ROI numbers assuming Class A results – when buying Class B, C & even D rentals.

    Then they’re shocked when their performance expectations aren't met😞

    If you choose to invest OOS, and have little to no landlord experience, we highly recommend targeting Class B Neighborhoods/Properties/Tenants. If you target Class C, you better be prepared emotionally & financially for plenty of challenges.

    You can find Class B properties in the Midwest to BRRRR, but it will take more digging and YOU will need to understand how to analyze & identify them - because a lot of agents, wholesalers, PMCs, etc. will try to sell you Class C or D misrepresented as Class B:

    • Many of them don't know/care what Class the properties are, so they're incompetent.
    • Others know exactly what they are doing, so should be labeled as crooks!
      EITHER WAY YOU LOSE!

    Why is Property Class so important for investors to understand and apply in their investing strategies?

    Because the Property Class dictates the Class of the tenant pool that the property will attract.

    The Tenant Class greatly impacts rental income stability and property maintenance/damage by tenants.

    Both Property Class and Tenant Class will affect what type of contractors, handymen and property management companies you should target and be willing to deal with a property.

    The Property Class will also impact the maintenance & renovations you do to, “Maintain to the Neighborhood”.

    Why is that important?

    Well, if you buy & renovate a property in Class D area to Class A standards, what Tenant Class will actually rent it?

    Or, if you put several Class D tenants in a Class A four-plex, what do you think will happen to the property?

    So, if you fail to apply the correct assumptions to a property, your expectations won’t be met, and it may even be a financial disaster.

    We use the following to rank Property Classes, in order of importance:

    • Property Tenant Pool: closely linked to location, but not always.
    • Property Location: closely linked to tenant pool, but not always.
    • Property Condition & Amenities: it’s important to, “Maintain to the Neighborhood.”

    Key metrics for each Property Class:

    Class A Properties:
    Tenant Pool: Majority of FICO scores 680+, no convictions/evictions in last 7 years.
    Tenant Default: 0-5% probability of eviction or early lease termination.
    Section 8: Class A rents are too high and won’t be approved.
    Vacancies: 5-10%, depending on market conditions.
    Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 3-5 years for positive cashflow, but you get highest relative rent & value appreciation.

    Class B Properties:
    Tenant Pool: Majority of FICO scores 620-680, some blemishes, no convictions/evictions in last 5 years.
    Tenant Default
    : 5-10% probability of eviction or early lease termination.
    Vacancies
    : 10-15%, depending on market conditions.
    Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 1-3 years for positive cashflow, balanced amounts of relative rent & value appreciation.
    Section 8: Class B rents are usually too high for the Section 8 program.

    Class C Properties:
    Tenant Pool: Majority of FICO scores 560-620, many blemishes, but should have no convictions/evictions in last 3 years. Verifying recent 2-years of rental history very important! Same for 2-years of job/income stability.
    Tenant Default: 10-20% probability of eviction or early lease termination.
    Section 8: Class C rents usually meet program requirements, proper screening still recommended.
    Vacancies: 10-20%, depending on market conditions and tenant screening.
    Cashflow vs Appreciation: Should cashflow immediately, at the lower end of relative rent & value appreciation.

    Class D Properties:
    Tenant Pool: Majority of FICO scores under 560, little to no good tradelines, lots of collections & chargeoffs, but should have no convictions/evictions in last 12 months. Verifying last 2-years of rental history and income/employment extremely important to find the “best of the worst”.
    Tenant Default: 20-30% probability of eviction or early lease termination.
    Section 8: Class D rents meet program requirements, often challenges to pass Section 8 inspection.
    Vacancies: 20%+, depending on market conditions and tenant screening.
    Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, all cashflow with little, maybe even negative, relative rent & value appreciation.

    Where did we get our FICO credit score information from?

    Check out this chart:

    FICO Score

    Pct of Population

    Default Probability

    800 or more

    13.00%

    1.00%

    750-799

    27.00%

    1.00%

    700-749

    18.00%

    4.40%

    650-699

    15.00%

    8.90%

    600-649

    12.00%

    15.80%

    550-599

    8.00%

    22.50%

    500-549

    5.00%

    28.40%

    Less than 499

    2.00%

    41.00%

    Source: Fair Isaac Company

    Make sure you understand the Class of properties you are looking at and the corresponding results to expect.

    Metro Detroit has 132 cities, the City of Detroit 183 Neighborhoods, which we’re analyzing and classifying. Check out the map on our website where we’ve made this all easy to follow.

    We can also share numerous examples of properties & portfolios we’ve assisted investors with!

    DM us if you’d like to discuss this logical approach in greater detail!

    Horror Stories from those that did NOT Understand What they were Buying:

    https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/48/topics/1137397-baltimore-a-path-to-never-ending-pain

    https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/432/topics/1231840-sell-at-a-loss-or-rent-at-a-loss

    https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/311/topics/840134-memphis-turnkey-tenant-turnover-costs

    https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/963/topics/1195280-experience-of-oos-investing-in-cleveland-after-15-years
  • Scott AllenBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus, OH · Member since 2020 · 449 posts · 471 votes
    8mo

    @Martin Penn It is incredibly common for people who live out west to invest out of state into the midwest markets when they're getting started.

    Reafco - Columbus, OH
  • Wale LawalBusiness Member
    Real Estate Broker · Houston | Dallas | Austin, TX · Member since 2018 · 5k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    8mo

    @Martin Penn

    You have assessed the situation correctly because it involves an actual danger that requires your attention. The Bay Area numbers which exceed your budget limitations should lead you to investigate both out of state markets and lower cost areas because successful investors use this strategy. You can start your business operations from any location which provides financial viability to your company and later return to the Bay Area when your earnings and business holdings have increased.

    Good luck!

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