Multifamily Investing in MA

[Shayne Mahoney]

Hi There,

I was curious, for those of you investing in MA. Are you having success with Multi Families? It's an expensive market so I was looking on some feedback whether you're having success or investing long distance etc. Also when you look at your cash flow, do you look at it from door to door or as the entire unit?  This question more so pertains to smaller multi families. As always thank you for your feed back!

Shayne

[Charlie MacPherson]

@Shayne Mahoney  I don't do a lot of rentals, but as a MA Realtor (and as a landlord) it is highly illegal to discriminate against a potential renter because they receive any form of public assistance.

If you look at the crime heat maps on Trulia (about the only thing it's good for), you can get the lay of the land.  From what I've seen, New Bedford has somewhat less crime than Fall River, so I'd look there.  

I recently drove through the waterfront and was really impressed by what they've done with it.  It's beginning to look like a new Charlestown in the making!

Brockton is divided into two zip codes.  02302 is the center and east.  This is what people call the "war zone" - especially the center.  02301 is mainly the west side and is a really decent place.  Comparing the two, center/east is characterized by homes in disrepair, overgrown yards, etc.

If I were to drop you blindfolded into 02301 and tell you that you were in Canton, you would be impressed at how nice Canton is.

I feel your pain regarding the Braintree split.  However, Brockton and most of the south shore has excellent commuter rail service.  Look at www.MBTA.com and there's a function where you put your starting point and destination in and it will give you commuting options.