Edison, NJ · Member since 2013 · 8 posts · 0 votes
Hi Everyone,
I am looking to buy my first rental property. I have come upon an opportunity to buy a Multifamily rental property in Elizabeth, NJ. The seller says that Elizabeth is a great place to invest because it has the most train riders in the area and is a growing area. The property already has tenants, one section 8 and the other cash paying. This property also comes with a 2 year home owners warranty from American Home Shield to cover any repairs.
This looks like a good opportunity but I am kind of hesitant. Is Elizabeth a good place to invest ? Not really sure if it is a safe area and whether I will be able to manage the tenants.
Any advice or experience in this area would be appreciated as this is my first time and I am not sure of what exactly I should be looking for ?
Rental Property Investor · North Andover, MA · Member since 2018 · 107 posts · 72 votes
8y
@Altaf Essani The best thing you could do as a new investor looking to buy your first property is link up with a very good agent who has experience with investors!
Orange County, CA · Member since 2017 · 25 posts · 8 votes
8y
@Altaf Essani Elizabeth NJ is a very commuter friendly area with many working in NYC. Having a property in an area like Elizabeth is great with the crowd making NY money looking to pay NJ rents. One thing to take into consideration is what is your knowledge on Section 8 and would you want to handle a cash tenant? Also, what kind of tenants are you looking for? Elizabeth is next to Newark airport and not considered a very pleasing area. If you know anything about Newark, Elizabeth is pretty much the same. I would expect things in this neighborhood to fall into the D ratings. Be prepared to deal with less than desirable tenants/applicants with a few good ones possible due to the close location to NYC/jobs
Rahway, NJ · Member since 2016 · 72 posts · 6 votes
8y
I take the train from NY to Rahway which stops at Elizabeth and North Elizabeth station. Tons of commuters get off in Elizabeth. I am also looking for a multifamily in this area but have found that prices and taxes are too high in most cases, or the property needs a serious rehab.
Elizabeth, NJ · Member since 2016 · 27 posts · 12 votes
8y
@Altaf Essani I'm born & raised in Elizabeth and own two 2 family houses here. I think it can be a great place to invest for cashflow. However, as already stated, location is the key. Elizabeth is a large city (4th largest in NJ I believe) and the neighborhoods run the gamut from A to D. You don't want to be in the D areas of Elizabeth, especially as a newbie.
My current tenants are month-to-month and pay cash, so that in and of itself is not an issue IMHO. Also, I don't have any experience with Section 8, but I do have a friend who has one Section 8 tenant in Elizabeth and his experience has been mostly positive. It really comes down to the individual tenant. For that reason, I personally prefer to receive a property vacant and place my own tenants. Might be slightly more costly up front but proper tenant screening will save you money and headaches long term.
Edison, NJ · Member since 2013 · 8 posts · 0 votes
8y
Thank you all for your input. I am not too sure about the different areas in Elizabeth and will have to look into that. They have not told me the exact address yet, but they say it is on East Jersey Street, Elizabeth. Anyone know if this is in a good area ?