New Investor Exploring MTR Opportunities in Augusta, GA

[Isabelle Lapsley]

Hi everyone – I’m new here and want to start investing in the Augusta, GA market. I currently live just outside Boston, MA, so out-of-state investing feels like the right path for me.

Since I’m just starting out and looking to supplement my W-2 income, I’m focusing on cash-flowing markets and strategies. MTRs stand out as a great middle ground: higher returns than LTRs, with less turnover and day-to-day management than STRs.

On paper, Augusta looks like a strong fit for my goals (population, income, and rent growth all trending up). But I’d love to step away from spreadsheets and hear directly from those of you investing here:

• What strategies are working well in this market?

• Why did you choose Augusta?

• Where do you see the market heading in the coming years?

Looking forward to learning from this group and connecting with you all!

[Christian Welch]

MTRs (medium-term rentals) can be a great strategy for steady cash flow without the hands-on intensity of short-term rentals. Since you’re in Massachusetts, you don’t necessarily need to go far to find strong opportunities. Areas like Martha’s Vineyard, Hyannis, Salem, and Boston have consistently high demand for rentals, particularly from hospitals and other employers needing housing for traveling nurses and temporary staff—both during peak seasons and off-seasons.

Many people also overlook the potential in higher-risk areas, such as underdeveloped or poorly maintained communities. While these neighborhoods may carry perceived risks, they can offer excellent risk-reward opportunities. People still need housing, and tenants—especially traveling professionals—often come in for work assignments. Properties in these neighborhoods can often be purchased at lower prices due to limited demand, yet rental rates don’t always fluctuate much, even with market changes, allowing investors to capture strong yields relative to their initial investment. Examples of these areas include Everett, Lowell, Lawrence, Worcester, and even over the border in Manchester and Nashua, New Hampshire.

Additionally, in high-demand areas, such as the cape for example homeownership is increasingly out of reach for most people due to high prices and limited inventory. This drives stronger rental demand, particularly during tourism and seasonal work periods, which can further increase margins and create opportunities for steady cash flow.

If you ever need financing or guidance on strategy, my cousin@Jason Wray is also on this platform. He’s VP at Federal Savings Bank in Florida and can walk you through options, teach strategies, and show financing possibilities that could provide incredible value for your goals.

Happy to connect and share insights about what’s working in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, or other New England markets!