Rolesville, NC · Member since 2023 · 17 posts · 25 votes
Hello,
I recently relocated from Chicago, Illinois, to Wake Forest, North Carolina. I just wanted to connect and see if there are any other investors in the RDU area.
Also, I've been doing a little bit of market research. What are some of the good places in North Carolina, specifically on kind of the eastern side of the state, to find duplexes?
I saw some in Fayetteville, but not sure if that's a safe spot or a good area to invest.
Any intel would be great, or any introductions to connect to other investors in the area.
Lender · Orlando, FL · Member since 2023 · 220 posts · 183 votes
1mo
Hey David,
Welcome to North Carolina! I’m pretty active in the RDU market and work with investors throughout NC, so I’m always happy to connect.
Fayetteville can definitely have opportunities, especially for cash flow and multifamily, but it’s very neighborhood-specific. I’d also take a look at areas like Rocky Mount, Wilson, Goldsboro, and Greenville depending on your investment strategy.
I’m also a lender specializing in investment properties, so if you start looking at deals and want a second set of eyes on the numbers or financing options, feel free to reach out. Always happy to connect with another investor in the area.
Rolesville, NC · Member since 2023 · 17 posts · 25 votes
1mo
Thanks for reaching out Travis! Ah very interesting, I wasn't aware of areas like Rocky Mount or Wilson being good areas to look at.
Yeah I've heard Fayetteville can be very neighborhood-specific which gives me some pause since I don't know the area very well yet. Still need to get in touch with an investor or realtor that knows the area well.
Investor · Lexington, SC · Member since 2018 · 779 posts · 501 votes
1mo
David, I would compare duplex opportunities at the neighborhood level rather than treating Fayetteville or eastern North Carolina as one market. Start with where duplex zoning and existing small multifamily stock actually overlap, then track achieved rents, vacancy, insurance, flood exposure, property taxes, military or employer-driven demand, and the quality of local management. Older duplexes can look inexpensive but may carry plumbing, electrical, roof, and turnover costs that change the result quickly. What is your preferred strategy for the first purchase: house hacking, stabilized buy-and-hold, or a property that needs renovation?
Real Estate Agent · Columbus Cleveland Dayton, OH · Member since 2024 · 2k+ posts · 931 votes
1mo
Quote from @David Miller:
Hello,
I recently relocated from Chicago, Illinois, to Wake Forest, North Carolina. I just wanted to connect and see if there are any other investors in the RDU area.
Also, I've been doing a little bit of market research. What are some of the good places in North Carolina, specifically on kind of the eastern side of the state, to find duplexes?
I saw some in Fayetteville, but not sure if that's a safe spot or a good area to invest.
Any intel would be great, or any introductions to connect to other investors in the area.
Don't hesitate to reach out!
Fayetteville has some solid pockets, but I’d definitely look at the neighborhood block by block before buying there. Since you came from Chicago, you may also want to keep the Midwest on your radar for out-of-state investing. The Midwest market has some affordable duplexes with stronger cash flow potential than a lot of the hotter NC markets. Worth comparing the numbers before you narrow your search.
Attorney · 10451 Mill Run Cir #755 Owings Mills, MD 21117 · Member since 2024 · 455 posts · 171 votes
1mo
Quote from @David Miller:
Hello,
I recently relocated from Chicago, Illinois, to Wake Forest, North Carolina. I just wanted to connect and see if there are any other investors in the RDU area.
Also, I've been doing a little bit of market research. What are some of the good places in North Carolina, specifically on kind of the eastern side of the state, to find duplexes?
I saw some in Fayetteville, but not sure if that's a safe spot or a good area to invest.
Any intel would be great, or any introductions to connect to other investors in the area.
Don't hesitate to reach out!
@David Miller, one thing I’ve learned in real estate is that a market can look very different online than it does once you start talking to the people who deal with the properties every day.
When I’m trying to understand an area I don’t know well, I really value conversations with local property managers. They can usually tell you which areas are easy to rent, where turnover is higher, what repairs they see over and over, and even which streets they would rather not manage.
Since you’re new to North Carolina, I’d probably spend some time building that local picture before choosing the next property. A duplex can look great on paper, but the people managing rentals in that area often know things the numbers will not show you.
You already have four doors, so you know the basics. Now it sounds like the bigger job is learning the new market and building the right local team around you.
Coral Springs, FL · Member since 2018 · 469 posts · 104 votes
1mo
Welcome to North Carolina, David! Since you already have 4 doors in Ohio, you know the out-of-state game — but finding deals in a market you don't know well is a different challenge.
The problem with hunting duplexes in Fayetteville or eastern NC right now is that you're competing against locals who know which streets to avoid and which property managers actually deliver. You're at an information disadvantage.
There's an acquisition method that flips this: tax deed auctions. Properties sell at 50-70% of assessed value, which means you're building in instant equity that protects you from the market unknowns you're worried about. When you buy at a deep discount, you don't need to perfectly predict rent growth or vacancy rates — the basis does the work for you.
I'm working on Broward County (FL) Auction #113 on October 26. There are 16 properties — mix of condos and single-family — all selling at 50-70% of assessed value. The spreads between opening bid and market value range from $80K to $300K+. Several would work as duplex-to-condo conversions or small multifamily holds.
Here's why this matters for your situation: - You're new to NC and don't have the local intel yet — auction properties sell based on assessed value, not neighborhood reputation - The deep discount basis gives you margin of safety while you learn the market - You can hold for rental cash flow or sell immediately — the equity is built in at acquisition - As an out-of-state investor, you're already used to managing properties remotely — auction acquisition doesn't add operational complexity
North Carolina also does tax deed sales, though the process and timing differ from Florida. The principle is the same: acquire at a basis where cash flow is the default, not the exception.
If you're curious about the specific properties on the Broward auction list, I can share the breakdown. Happy to connect with another investor building in the Southeast.
Real Estate Agent · Wake Forest NC · Member since 2026 · 2 posts · 0 votes
2w
Hey David, welcome to North Carolina! I'm a local real estate agent serving Wake Forest, Raleigh, and the surrounding areas. Always great to connect with fellow investors!
Fayetteville, Rocky Mount, Wilson, and Greenville are a few markets worth researching for duplexes. Each area has its own opportunities, so I'd recommend looking closely at rental demand, neighborhood conditions, and cash flow before making a decision.
I'd be happy to connect, share local market insights, and help you find investment properties that align with your goals.
Welcome to the RDU area, David! Looking forward to connecting.