Rental Property Investor · Lexington Park, MD · Member since 2021 · 14 posts · 8 votes
Good morning everybody,
I'm a brand new investor. I've been learning and analyzing deals for just under a year now. I have a large amount of savings that Im looking to invest. I'm currently in the military so VA loans are an option. I'm in a unique spot where my job will allow me to move to Hawaii (Kauai) or move back to the Midwest. I would love to move to Hawaii but the issue I'm running into most is it seems to be a very expert level market. Just want your thoughts if you could do everything over would you rather have started in a market like Hawaii or Midwest and any advice you can give me in regards to harder and more expensive markets.
@Cody Buckingham my first investment market was Honolulu on the island of Oahu so it is doable and the is real potential for growth. As some of the other commentators have mentioned you have to know your market and while all of Hawaii has a high cost for entry there are still opportunities to be found.
I found a very specific market (C-, 2/1 condos, near major hospitals, pet friendly, low HOA) that I studied intensely and because of that specific focus knew a good deal when I saw it and could quickly get the ball rolling while others were still analyzing.
Kauai is such a unique community that you will be faced with nuanced challenges but that also means you may find opportunities where others miss them if you know the market.
Kauai is the most beautiful island in the state and has a great sense of community, if you want to move there do it and make real estate work for you, don't go about it the other way or you may be left with more properties but also more regret.
All the best and Há coffee house is a great place to grab breakfast.
I would start with your end goal in mind. If you're looking for cashflow, Hawaii is not the best market. If you're looking for steady appreciation or flipping then yes. And if you're looking to get into any market it is always good to network and see if you can find a reputable agent or investor in that market to help and guide you.