Olive Branch, MS · Member since 2013 · 452 posts · 10 votes
Can other Investors/Landlords in the Memphis,TN area, recommend any particular Zip Codes / Neighborhoods, of which Rents usually go for $1,100 - $1,300 as the Average ( Assuming Purchase Price of these homes are around $100,000 - $130,000 )
I am Looking at buying my Primary Residence in Memphis,TN , and I want to make sure that I buy in an area that I will be able to charge rents in the $1,100 - $1,300 a month range )
I'm thinking ..... 38117, 38111, 38122 ZipCode areas ?
Either 2 bed 2 bath houses or 3 bed 1 and a half baths ( as the minimum ) . Would prefer 3 bed 2 bath , but not sure i can get this type of property given that my Budget is $100,000 - $130,000 ( This price range is the month I can afford/qualify for via the DTI )
Thanks so much for any and all help and recommendations
Real Estate Investor · Memphis, TN · Member since 2014 · 156 posts · 101 votes
10y
Midtown is a hot area for flips and rentals. I not only live in midtown (Central Gardens) but invest in midtown. Rentals in the ~$1,300 per month range get snatched up in a hurry. If you choose to buy a house that will eventually be a rental in midtown, my advice is:
1) Buy a house with 2 full baths (2/2 minimum but 3/2 is ideal). The house doesn't have to be huge, but having 2 full baths is very in demand. Often it is 2 roommates who want their own space. I've seen many half baths be made into full baths by being creative with the space. There are some corky houses in this market so you have to think outside the box.
2) Most renters who want a house in midtown want a small fenced yard for a dog. Many times that's why they want a house versus an apartment.
3) In midtown, it's all about location, location, location. One street over in the wrong direction can make a huge difference -- no exaggeration!
My parents live in Germantown and I know that area very well, as well. I'm often shocked at prices per square feet in midtown versus Germantown. For some reason, midtown is the trendy place to live and since more than 1/2 of the people in Memphis rent, it is definitely a lessor's market in my "hood". The most important thing to consider is LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION!!!!
Olive Branch, MS · Member since 2013 · 452 posts · 10 votes
10y
Curt Davis ,
Are there any other Areas ( Neighborhoods ) / Zip Codes that you recommend I look at ?
38117 and some areas in the 38111 and 38112 seem promising ?
And what Zipcode(s) in Cordova would you recommend ........ Both 38016 and 38018 ?
Also , I want to make sure I move somewhere in the Memphis or surrounding area, that is likely to sustain rising Property Values, along with Steady .... $1,100 - $1,300 Rent ranges
Specialist · Memphis, TN · Member since 2012 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
10y
Cordova, Bartlett, Lakeland and Germantown. 38117, 111 and 112 have some great areas but some are funky. As far East as possible is safest long term. There are exceptions like Cooper Young and Midtown but you need to know which streets etc. to be in so a bit trickier to pick from afar.
38119 and 38120 are great areas that sometimes have homes under 150K.
Olive Branch, MS · Member since 2013 · 452 posts · 10 votes
10y
Dean Letfus ,
Thank you for your reply and advice
Are there any particular Streets that you recommend I look at , that are in the 38117, 38111 and 38122 Areas ?
And also please, what particular Streets do you recommend I look for and check for Properties for sale in the Copper Young and Midtown areas ?
I know Memphis and the surrounding Areas quite well , just not to sure about Particular Streets / niche neighborhoods
Yeah, I'm going to add 38119 and 38120 to my search areas. May be hard to find a house under $130,000 , but I may be able to get one that's Foreclosed and needs some work done
Olive Branch, MS · Member since 2013 · 452 posts · 10 votes
10y
Alex Craig,
Thank you for your reply
Is that near the Madison Area near Madison / Cooper Young ?
It seems that houses in that area are highly sought after, as a lot of Millenials / young professionals want to move in that area, to be near the robust area that is Madison and Cooper area
Would a 2 bed 2 bath in these areas fetch $1,300 or so a month in rent ?
My Budget is $130,000 on the high side of what I can afford, so I'm trying to find Properties in good areas around the $100,000 - $110,000 side, that can still fetch nice Rental Income once I decide to move and rent out my property
Real Estate Investor · Memphis, TN · Member since 2014 · 156 posts · 101 votes
10y
Midtown is a hot area for flips and rentals. I not only live in midtown (Central Gardens) but invest in midtown. Rentals in the ~$1,300 per month range get snatched up in a hurry. If you choose to buy a house that will eventually be a rental in midtown, my advice is:
1) Buy a house with 2 full baths (2/2 minimum but 3/2 is ideal). The house doesn't have to be huge, but having 2 full baths is very in demand. Often it is 2 roommates who want their own space. I've seen many half baths be made into full baths by being creative with the space. There are some corky houses in this market so you have to think outside the box.
2) Most renters who want a house in midtown want a small fenced yard for a dog. Many times that's why they want a house versus an apartment.
3) In midtown, it's all about location, location, location. One street over in the wrong direction can make a huge difference -- no exaggeration!
My parents live in Germantown and I know that area very well, as well. I'm often shocked at prices per square feet in midtown versus Germantown. For some reason, midtown is the trendy place to live and since more than 1/2 of the people in Memphis rent, it is definitely a lessor's market in my "hood". The most important thing to consider is LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION!!!!
Olive Branch, MS · Member since 2013 · 452 posts · 10 votes
10y
Julia Blythe ,
Thank you so much for all of the Advice and tips, very informative.
A few things I'd like to ask/run by you please......
1. To get Rent in the $1,300 range ....... What Price Rage of the Property ( Purchase Price ) would I be looking at ? Stick to looking at Properties in the $95,000 - $120,000 rage ( This assumes the ARV ) ?
2. Great advice on the Bed/Bath being that 2/2 is the minimum . I have heard too, that alot of the times it's roommates that move/Rent a house in Midtown , and therefore having at least 2 bathrooms is ideal
3. Definitely looking to put a Fence up , no matter what property I get.
4. The Street I decide to Buy on / Rent out later is very Key s you mentioned.... It really is all about Location Location when it comes to buying in the Midtown area.
Given that it is , Here is a List of Streets I am currently Looking to see if any Properties are for sell on them. Of the ones listed, are there any that You Strongly recommend I DON'T buy on , and any of them that you Strongly recommend i DO buy on ?
They are ............ Linden Ave. , Carr, Ave. , Harbert Ave. , Cowden Ave. , Hubert Ave. , N. Willet St. , N. Avalon , N. Watkins , Tutwiler , Washington Ave. , Court Ave. , Madison Ave. , N. Evergreen
Midtown ( Madison and Copper St. ) are definitely the " It " places right now , especially for the younger Millenials to hang out and wanting to live .
So I am trying to position myself , by Purchasing in a Desired area NOW , so that I can easily Rent out the Property at a nice Monthly Rental Rate ( $1,100 - $1,300 )
I would even be willing to purchase a Duplex or Multi-Family residence ...... All of course Depends on the Location of the Property :)
Thank you again for all of your time and help - Michael
Specialist · Memphis, TN · Member since 2012 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
10y
@Michael Dunn it might be easier for you to put up properties you consider here and we can advise on location. It's just hard to say this is OK and this isn't in many places. We own homes close to Cooper Young on Bruce St for example. Where we are is a great location. 1 block down Bruce though it changes completely and you wouldn't want to be there.