Los Angeles · Member since 2021 · 18 posts · 14 votes
Hello BP Family,
As a new investor, would you aal recommend buying turnkey properties as your first deal? I'm getting mixed reviews. If so, would you buy direct from zillow, etc, or use a turnkey company? Thanks for your input.
Great question—and you’re definitely not alone in getting mixed reviews. Turnkey investing can absolutely be a solid first deal if your goals, expectations, and provider are aligned.
When Turnkey Does Make Sense: You want cash flow with minimal effort
You're short on time, live in an expensive market, or don't have a renovation team
You’d rather learn the ropes with a stabilized property than dive into a rehab
Turnkey gives you a way to start building wealth right away while keeping things simple, especially if you’re out-of-state or balancing a full-time job.
Where People Run Into Problems: Buying from unvetted providers who cut corners
Not doing proper due diligence on the market or property manager
So the mixed reviews usually come down to execution, not the strategy itself.
Zillow vs. Turnkey Provider? Buying direct from Zillow is possible—but it’s not truly turnkey. You’ll still need to:
Find and vet a contractor or property manager
Handle the rehab or tenanting yourself
Do much more due diligence on comps, rents, and repairs
A reputable turnkey provider, on the other hand, typically:
Finds and renovates the property
Places a screened tenant
Pairs you with property management
Offers a warranty period or post-sale support
Yes, you pay a premium—but you’re buying back your time, experience, and learning curve.
If you go turnkey, just be sure to vet the provider thoroughly and choose a market with real demand and job growth. This is exactly what we have helped do at Rent to Retirement for years!