Buying in rougher areas

[Joe McGovern]

Hi BP!

I am looking for my first investment in Des Moines, Iowa (I live about 30 min away from DSM). I have found a property on the MLS where the numbers work great, but the property is located in a rougher area. This house itself was recently remodeled and is pretty much move-in ready. The houses around it look a little rougher. The house faces a park and is right next to a library.

I'm wondering how all you experienced investors weigh the factors of numbers working vs owning a property in a rougher area. What would cause you to pull the trigger on a property like this? Would you always avoid it? Do you think this is a good or bad idea for my first investment?

Thanks in advance for the help!

[Nathan Gesner]

I would rather be the ugly house in a nice neighborhood than an average or below-average house in an ugly neighborhood. Location makes a big difference.

These rough neighborhoods may look like they cash flow well on paper but they can be real losers if you aren't experienced and hands-on.