New to investing in the DMV and Baltimore area

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New to investing in the DMV and Baltimore area

Linsie FleurizardPro Member
Member since 2025 · 5 posts · 5 votes

Hello All,

I am a medical professional in Maryland looking to diversify my portfolio and start investing locally. I am currently looking at multifamily homes in DC and Baltimore. I've heard so many pros and cons about both areas and I'm wondering what the better investment area would be. Any thoughts are welcomed! I'm excited to join this community and begin my real estate investing journey!

-Linsie

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Claire Shi
Member since 2026 · 4 posts · 4 votes
9mo

Hi Linsie, I’ve been investing in the DMV area for about 10 years. I usually try to avoid DC since it’s pretty complicated and very block-by-block. I also tend to avoid Baltimore City, though some suburban areas in Baltimore County can be okay. Since both DC and Maryland are tenant-friendly states, selecting the right tenant is especially important to avoid hassles down the road.

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  • Marina Sorbie
    Realtor · Washington DC · Member since 2024 · 19 posts · 8 votes
    9mo

    Hi Linsie, welcome to BP! Both DC and Baltimore are fantastic for local investing, but they really serve different parts of a portfolio. Think of DC as the high growth long term choice, while the entry price is steeper and the rules are tighter, it’s a powerhouse for long term equity and attracts a huge pool of stable, high income professionals. In Baltimore, on the other hand, your dollar goes a lot further. You can often snag multiple units for the price of one in DC, leading to much stronger monthly cash flow, though you'll typically see slower appreciation and higher taxes. It really just comes down to whether you want to focus on building long-term wealth in DC or seeing more immediate cash flow every month in Baltimore. What’s your main priority right now? I'm happy to jump on a quick call to go over the details, I serve both areas and we can figure out your best course of action. Feel free to email or message me!

    2Reply
  • Jules Aton
    MD/DC · Member since 2024 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    9mo

    I like both and they have excellent potential in the right areas. Keeping mind that RE isn’t passive if you are a busy, highly paid medical professional it would likely be worth finding a solid PM if you will be purchasing rental properties. Best wishes with the new venture. 

    0Reply
  • Claire Shi
    Member since 2026 · 4 posts · 4 votes
    9mo

    Hi Linsie, I’ve been investing in the DMV area for about 10 years. I usually try to avoid DC since it’s pretty complicated and very block-by-block. I also tend to avoid Baltimore City, though some suburban areas in Baltimore County can be okay. Since both DC and Maryland are tenant-friendly states, selecting the right tenant is especially important to avoid hassles down the road.

    3Reply
  • Tim JacobPro Member
    Real Estate Agent · Baltimore, MD · Member since 2016 · 520 posts · 379 votes
    9mo

    Im sure as has been said its DC appreciation vs more cash flow from Baltimore.  That doesnt mean nothing cash flows in DC though its hard or that Baltimore diesnt appreciate as it does just at a lesser rate.  Baltimore county has the advantage over the city for taxes.  

    I thing I would say and I think this is not only specific to Baltimore and DC but everywhere.  Tenants rights are getting more and more expanded.  In general personal injury lawsuits are as well.  That being said i would not have the plan to go somewhere to get C or D grade rentals because you are anticipating a bunch of tenant eviction issues but figure your somewhere its still ok because its only going to get worse.  Despite all the horror stories about Baltimore I can tell you living here a while there are plenty of good areas in the city where you can get the same quality of tenants as you do in DC.  They are more affordable then DC but no where near what the C and D grade areas of Baltimore are.  I understand the price of the others are enticing but you always get what you pay for and variable expenses like unreimbursed water bills and deposits not covering damages usually happen in these types of areas along with lawsuits.

    In better assets assuming property management is decent maintenance is the next thing that can really get you.  There are plenty of older buildings which will cost a lot to replace capex.  Some have been retrofitted with central hvac, laundry, plumbing and electric in the last 50 years.  A lot of times these are the places to look for.  Im a realtor and pm up here.  I have extensive renovation, repair, and management experiences.  I've managed all sorts of assets but currently wont really manage anything lower than a c grade asset and wont recommend buying lower than a B grade one.   I currently own and manage a multifamily for the last 7 years up here as well.  Let me know if I can help.  

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  • Douglas Dolgoff
    Lender · Atlanta, GA · Member since 2025 · 100 posts · 9 votes
    8mo

    Welcome to the community, Linsie, and best of luck as you begin this journey! I am a residential investment loan officer and would be more than happy to provide insight into various lending programs and financing strategies as you progress.

    0Reply
  • Christine Leonard
    Real Estate Agent · Annapolis, MD · Member since 2026 · 16 posts · 4 votes
    8mo

    Linsie -

    I've lived all over the DMV and now live outside of Annapolis. I'd be happy to talk about the different aspects of investing opportunities -- while values are strong in Maryland right now, there are also really good opportunities around Anne Arundel County.

    Christine

    0Reply
  • Adrienne RammohanPro Member
    Investor · Washington, DC · Member since 2022 · 137 posts · 162 votes
    8mo

    Since you're in the medical professional @Linsie Fleurizard--you might think about opportunities around medical centers/hospitals (because you know what a traveling medical pro or someone coming in to do a residency might be looking for in terms of amenities!).  I know there's a ton of construction going on now in Montgomery County around places like Shady Grove Hospital (Rockville), etc.  Good luck and have fun!

    [email protected]
    BiggerPockets
    0Reply
  • Linsie FleurizardPro Member
    OP
    Member since 2025 · 5 posts · 5 votes
    8mo
    Yes definitely! Looking into that as well. Thanks for the update!
    0Reply
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