All Forum Posts by: Abigail Lipson

Not sure what brutal truth I needed to hear, lol. ;-) My point is that I have done research into a number of cities, narrowed it down to 3 and now a bit stuck in deciding at this point. You're asking me to figure it out myself; I came on here to ask others for help in how they do it. I also don't quite see it as being the same as picking a city to live in - I went through that process in choosing Austin but that was more emotionally driven. Again, the tips you provided for evaluating agents was concrete, actionable advice. (As it happens, I don't need help deciding how to pick an agent, but I nonetheless found the info useful.) Thanks for your comments on my post! 

Dude, you're harsh. I do appreciate the tips in evaluating other agents, though. I own several rental properties, all in Austin. They were all bought at a time when good deals were easy to come by, so I was never evaluating Austin itself but rather only the properties. That part I know how to do without issue. My questions are about determining which *new city* to invest in. Living and working in Austin, I know this market and its neighborhoods in my bones, all things I've absorbed over 20 years of living here. I simply don't have that knowledge of any other markets. I don't see that as a reason to question my credentials within my own market. As someone who has a knowledge of *one* market, I'm genuinely seeking advice on evaluating other markets. Again, the criteria for considering other agents is very helpful -  thank you. 

This is a 2-parter. 

1. I'm a real estate investor and property management company owner in Austin. I know Austin; I don't know other markets. I'm now looking to buy a SFH in another city and considering San Antonio, Birmingham and Tulsa. I've done research on each and made a spreadsheet. I've also talked to recommended Realtors in each city. I can make arguments for each but right now I'm a deer caught in the headlights. Would love to know what criteria or spreadsheets or other decision making tools you use to make the decision of where to invest.

2. As part of this search, I got connected to a company that does turnkey properties in Birmingham - they build them, sell them to the investor and manage them. I've never bought a property this way and curious if others have done it and if you think it's a good idea and how you make sure to protect yourself.