Knoxville TN New Investor

[Pavak Shah]

I would like to start investing in real estate in Knoxville TN. I am wondering which neighborhood should I invest if my interest is buy and hold, possibly find any tenant to generate passive income. I understand this is very broad question and there may not be easy answer(if there is any). I look forward for any comments/suggestions. Thanks.

[Chris Eaker]

I have rentals in Powell, Fort Sanders, Bearden, and Lenoir City. Each has its benefits. You can make money in any market if you buy right, but certainly some are easier than others. If you're interested in long-term buy and hold and want stable tenants, then buy in areas where families are most likely to live, as opposed to Fort Sanders where it's predominantly students. West Knoxville, South Knoxville, Fountain City, Karns, Halls, Powell, Corryton, etc, would all be good areas. As for financing, I've dealt with a local mortgage broker named Lou Browning at Summit South Mortgage on a couple of occasions and also dealt with a small community bank out of Middlesboro, KY, called First State Financial on a few occasions. I like them both. Lou will be able to provide a solution for almost any situation. First State Financial is easy to deal with and flexible on terms and they offer portfolio loans.