Turnkey Rental in Hoschton, GA – $154K In, $2,200 Rent, Value Up Already

[Lucy Liu]

Investment Info:

Single-family residence buy & hold investment.

Purchase price: $384,999
Cash invested: $154,000

This nearly-new single-family home in Hoschton, GA was purchased for $385K with $154K cash. Built just a year earlier, it needed no repairs and was rented quickly at $2,200/month to reliable tenants. Located in an appreciating area, a nearby home is now worth $420K. As both the buyer’s agent and property manager, I handled the acquisition and leasing. This turnkey deal offers solid cash flow and long-term growth.

What made you interested in investing in this type of deal?

I was drawn to this deal because it offered the rare combination of a nearly new property in a rapidly growing area with excellent long-term appreciation potential and immediate rental cash flow. The home required no rehab, had great curb appeal, and was located in a community where demand was already rising. It was an ideal turnkey opportunity — minimal management hassle, strong tenant interest, and room for future equity growth.

How did you find this deal and how did you negotiate it?

I found this property through the MLS while actively monitoring listings in high-growth areas of North Georgia. As a licensed real estate agent, I noticed that this nearly new home was priced competitively compared to nearby comps — the property across the street had just sold for more. The previous owner had only lived there briefly, so the home was in excellent condition.

I acted quickly to submit a strong offer close to asking price, knowing the property would rent well and appreciate.

How did you finance this deal?

I financed this deal with 40% cash down and a 60% conventional mortgage. This structure allowed me to preserve liquidity while still keeping the monthly payments manageable. With strong rental income in place, the property cash flows well even after debt service. I chose this financing approach to balance long-term equity growth with short-term cash flow stability.

How did you add value to the deal?

Although the property was nearly new and required no renovations, I added value by acting quickly to secure it below market value, identifying the strong rental demand in the area, and placing high-quality tenants early on. I also handled lease structuring, tenant screening, and onboarding myself, which ensured a smooth transition and reduced vacancy.

What was the outcome?

The outcome has been very positive. The property rented quickly at $2,200/month with reliable tenants who consistently pay on time. The cash flow is strong even after debt service, and the property required no upfront renovation. Since the purchase, comparable homes in the neighborhood have sold for $35K more, confirming immediate equity growth. With minimal maintenance, low vacancy, and increasing property value, this has proven to be a solid, low-risk investment.

Lessons learned? Challenges?

Lesson learned: Act quickly in competitive markets and line up financing early. Pre-screening tenants before closing helped reduce vacancy. Coordinating access for showings was tricky, but clear communication ensured a smooth leasing process.

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

Yes — I represented myself as the buyer’s agent and also managed the property after closing. If you’re looking for a bilingual real estate agent or property manager in the Greater Atlanta area, I’d be happy to help. I specialize in leasing, management, and investment properties.