I am looking to explore several markets for potential buy and hold rental properties. If possible, I'd like to get MLS updates on single family houses and duplexes under 400k. I'm looking both at light to medium rehab opportunities as well as new constructions if it seems to make sense.
I am looking in the following markets: Jacksonville FL. Orlando FL. Charlotte, NC. Seattle, WA. And any suburb of Seattle within a few hour drive.
@Dashiel C Neimark - Hey Dashiel! I’m a Seattle guy. I would definitely recommend Tacoma Wa near Seattle you can get 2000 sq ft fully updated 3 bed 2 baths under $400k all day and the rental rates are surprisingly high. There are a lot of renters in that area because of the military base and the other industries around there. I know there are a lot of good Tacoma people on here you can reach out to. Good Luck!
@Dashiel C Neimark - Hey Dashiel! I’m a Seattle guy. I would definitely recommend Tacoma Wa near Seattle you can get 2000 sq ft fully updated 3 bed 2 baths under $400k all day and the rental rates are surprisingly high. There are a lot of renters in that area because of the military base and the other industries around there. I know there are a lot of good Tacoma people on here you can reach out to. Good Luck!
Thanks, Matt! Appreciate the advice. Do you invest there yourself? Any specific learnings or advice? Just trying to gather as much info as possible. And if you know any agents for investors, please let me know. Thanks again.
@Dashiel C Neimark I would recommend trying to narrow down to only two markets before contacting an agent. My reasons for that are:
1) It takes a decent amount of time to truly learn a market and know when an opportunity arises. Looking in several markets might make you less productive.
2) Good agents value their time. Contacting an agent when you know nothing about the market and are not even sure if you want to buy there probably won't get the agent too excited. I would try to learn as much about the market as you can first (zillow, rentometer, google maps, investors, articles, etc.). If you feel you're still interested, then reach out to an agent to learn more. Now you can go to the agent with some background knowledge of the area and the strategy you're looking to do.
I don't recommend Seattle due to the very anti-landlord climate as well as various other reasons. Great appreciation, solid jobs, etc but not worth it in my opinion. I'm an agent, investor, wholesaler. Sold my Seattle property in 2017, moved my capital to Boise, best decision ever. I still have properties in Tacoma, I have more hope for that city but it is a very HOT market. There are great outlinining areas such as Everett, Bremerton, Lakewood and more. Reach out anytime.
@Brandon Vukelich you moved to Boise, Idaho? I'm intrigued as to the reason for that move other than tenant laws. I know nothing about that side of the country to be 100% honest, I'm only an expert in Charlotte! And when you say Tacoma is a hot market, how hot are we talking? Properties sold in days with multiple offers kind of hot?
@Laura Shinkle - I did not personally move to Boise, just moved our investments funds from Seattle to Boise. Tenant laws, taxes, crazy city council...you name it. Solid jobs and incredible appreciation but no longer worth it, IMO. My brother and I had enough of our hometown. We do still own properties in Tacoma. Yes, it is extremely competitive especially on residential. Areas such as North Tacoma, we easily see 10% over list price (that's $40k on a $400k listing btw) and 7+ offers on most SFRs, selling within the first 72 hours. If it doesn't sell in the first week, we typically see a price reduction.
Solid MF deals are moving quick as well but there are stragglers out from sellers pushing it on price. For example, in Tacoma we have had 49 (2-4 unit) deals close in the last 90 days, average days on market 22, avg price $443k. Again, the decent deals move in less than a few days.
@Brandon Vukelich I actually grew up in Auburn and now live and invest in Boise (it's not every day that I come across someone from my hometown!). Do you still hold anything in Western WA? And what kinds of properties are you investing in here in the Treasure Valley?
Would love to connect and learn more about what you're doing if you're ever up for it!
I've been a realtor/wholesaler/rehabber in North Carolina and Florida for over 6 years. I'd be happy to chat to with you as I've lived in the Orlando market (4.5 years) Jacksonville market (4 years) and Charlotte (6 years, where I live now). These are markets I know very well and I'm more than happy to catch up about it.
@Dashiel C Neimark Are you leaning more toward long term or short term rentals? An agent can guide you to desirable locations and rental friendly neighborhoods. Let me know if you still need referrals!