New Investor looking to connect

[Thierno Gueye]

Hi

I am a new real estate investor based in Texas, actively seeking my first buy-and-hold property

1/ Interested in single-family homes (SFHs).

2/ Currently considering standard financing (conventional loan) with 20% down as my investment strategy

3/ Focus on Buy Below Market, if Possible

4/ Target: 10–12%+ Cash on Cash; I will consider 8% if it is a low risk

5/ Plan is to outsource property management

[Melissa Justice]

@Thierno Gueye,

Welcome to the journey - you're off to a very strong start! You’ve already defined a clear strategy, which puts you ahead of most new investors.

If you're open to investing outside Texas for better returns or diversification, here are some landlord-friendly, investor-friendly markets with potential for your target cash-on-cash return:

Midwest:
Indianapolis, IN - Strong rents, low property taxes, lots of solid PMs
Many SFHs trade below replacement cost

Cleveland, OH - Low purchase prices = higher CoC
Be selective about neighborhoods and PMs

Southeast:
Birmingham, AL - Cash-flow rich, very landlord-friendly laws
Strong PM options + below market deals still available

Columbia, SC - Military + student tenant base, lower entry points
Appreciation potential and steady rental demand

Tips to Hit Your Return Goals:
Work With Investor-Friendly Agents
Find ones who know how to spot value-add potential or off-market deals
Vet Property Managers Early
They’ll tell you realistic rent numbers and where to avoid
Use Deal Analysis Tools
A simple spreadsheet or calculator like the BiggerPockets Rental Property Calculator helps you keep emotions out of it
Plug in real taxes, insurance, maintenance, vacancy, and PM fees
Look at Light Value-Add Opportunities
Cosmetic upgrades ($5K–$10K) can bump ARV and rent, and still be manageable for a first-timer

Know Your Exit Strategy:
Will you hold long-term, 1031 into larger properties, or refinance in 2–3 years?
This helps guide your risk tolerance and loan structure

You’ve got all the right ingredients - now it’s about finding that first solid deal to prove the model. Let me know if you ever want to go over markets or look at deals side by side - always here to help!

Best of luck,

Melissa