Investor Seeking Advice on Buying a Fourplex in Bakersfield, CA

Investor · Oxnard, CA · Member since 2019 · 6 posts · 5 votes

Hi BiggerPockets community!

I’m a novice real estate investor currently looking to buy my first small multifamily property (ideally a fourplex) in Bakersfield, California. I’d really appreciate any insight on the local market in 2025 especially:

1. What neighborhoods are considered good vs bad for rentals or long term investment?

2. How is the rental demand currently?

3. Are there any red flags or hidden gems neighborhoods I should be aware of?

My goal is to find a solid cash flowing property in a stable area to buy and hold, but I’m still learning how to evaluate the Bakersfield market specifically.

Thanks in advance for any advice or tips you can share!

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Gene HackerPro Member

Flipper/Rehabber · Lake Isabella, CA · Member since 2011 · 974 posts · 488 votes

I used to do inspections in Bakersfield. Many of the older buildings had major issues with deferred maintenance and would require a significant CapEx investment early on.

You can tell good areas from bad from using google street view.

Generally the west side units were much nicer but the price usually reflects that. The older units in Oildale, or the East Bakersfield generally needed a lot of work.

I used to like the idea of investing in Bakersfield as logistic jobs were growing fast but the tariffs add uncertainty. Oil used to be a big part of the economy but California is moving to shut that down. It is definitely uncertain times.

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Greg Kasmer
Rental Property Investor · Philadelphia, PA · Member since 2021 · 778 posts · 504 votes
1y
@Karla Sosa - I don't know Bakersfield intimately, but when I evaluate a market in general there are several items I consider: Population growth, Income Levels, Crime levels, poverty levels, Rent/Price ratio for the property type your considering, landlord laws, and industry mix. These areas are all "relative" to another market/sub markets... Most of these items can be pulled from public data as well! Good Luck!
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Gene HackerPro Member
Flipper/Rehabber · Lake Isabella, CA · Member since 2011 · 974 posts · 488 votes
1y
I used to do inspections in Bakersfield. Many of the older buildings had major issues with deferred maintenance and would require a significant CapEx investment early on.
You can tell good areas from bad from using google street view.
Generally the west side units were much nicer but the price usually reflects that. The older units in Oildale, or the East Bakersfield generally needed a lot of work.
I used to like the idea of investing in Bakersfield as logistic jobs were growing fast but the tariffs add uncertainty. Oil used to be a big part of the economy but California is moving to shut that down. It is definitely uncertain times.
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Brendan WinansBusiness Member
Real Estate Agent / Investor · Bakersfield, CA · Member since 2015 · 48 posts · 25 votes
1y
@Karla Sosa I invest in, and own four-plexes here in Bakersfield. I'd be happy to share my experiences, and answer any questions you have.
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