All Forum Posts by: Joseph Tubbs

lets throw Alabama in the list. Alabama dosent get the love it deserves in the capital markets 

An unserious answer: leverage up to your ears with OTM REIT call options with zero regard for risk.
An actual answer with some bias: ATL is a highly competitive already stabilized investor real estate market, research some smaller pre-stablized markets (bias incoming) like Birmingham, AL that you can leverage $320k into a dozen SFH's or (more bias incoming) a medium self storage facility on the outskirts of a large market (aim for over 150 units min.)

I don't disagree with you but institutions have access to cheaper capital giving them a larger spread to potentially make profit and ride the appreciation lightening bolt on the long haul.

National institutional investors have begun showing increased interest in Alabama markets, particularly Birmingham and Huntsville, following their saturation in larger Southeastern markets. Data indicates a 35% year-over-year increase in institutional acquisitions, though from a small base representing only 10% of total distressed property transactions. This expanding institutional presence is introducing more sophisticated acquisition criteria, data-driven valuation methodologies, and standardized rehabilitation practices that are gradually professionalizing the market. If current trends continue, institutional market share could reach 20-25% within three years, fundamentally altering competitive dynamics for local operators.

Absolutely, Huntsville has had a huge influx of government and tech jobs since the govt relocated the FBI office. "According to recent CBRE rankings, Huntsville just claimed the #1 spot among emerging tech markets in North America." These areas are forcing appreciation and they're succeeding at an unreal pace.

Birmingham’s lower prices allow for better leverage and risk hedging with less capital. A $200,000 property in Birmingham (common for distressed homes via New Western) requires a $40,000 down payment (20%). With 5% annual appreciation (Birmingham’s 19.9% growth forecast over 2024-2028 averages roughly 5% yearly), the property’s value rises to $210,000 in a year—a 25% return on your $40,000. In Nashville, a $400,000 property demands an $80,000 down payment, yielding the same percentage return but requiring double the capital and carrying more risk due to market volatility (Nashville saw a 10% correction in 2023). Birmingham’s rental yields are also higher at 5.17%, compared to Atlanta’s 4.8%, Charlotte’s 4.9%, and Nashville’s 4.5%, allowing you to hedge with cash flow while awaiting appreciation. With less capital, you can buy two $150,000 properties in Birmingham instead of one $300,000 property in Atlanta, diversifying risk.

My Business Case Study on REI in Birmingham, Alabama
Hello everyone, I wrote this case study this past weekend. 
Discover how investors can capitalize on Alabama’s overlooked residential real estate sector. This case study breaks down:

• 📉 Why 2025 is shaping up to be a year of rising foreclosures and distressed sales

• 🏘️ Key hot spots in Alabama where properties are undervalued and primed for profit

• 💡 Actionable investment strategies for seizing deals before the market rebounds

Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, this report is your blueprint for navigating and thriving in one of the South's most misunderstood markets.

Hey Ven — welcome to the community! Huntsville and Birmingham are two solid Alabama markets with very different strengths.

Birmingham is one of the last major metros where you can still leverage efficiently. With lower asset prices, investors are buying in at $150K–$250K and seeing strong rent-to-price ratios and real upside. It's ideal if you're looking to maximize returns with less capital. The market hasn’t fully appreciated like Austin or Nashville, which gives you room to grow equity while still cash flowing. Great for hybrid investors who want both income and appreciation without overexposure.

Huntsville, on the other hand, is booming with new tech, biotech, and government defense dollars. Think Blue Origin, NASA contractors, and FBI expansion — all pouring in. The city ranks high in job growth and median income, and demand for housing is rising fast. It’s more competitive than Bham, but long-term fundamentals are very strong.

I’m local to these markets and happy to share any info on your out-of-state exploration. 

Business Case Study
This is my 22 page Case study I wrote over the weekend. Formatting is off because I used the link online version vs sharing the Word doc. 
Let me know if this case study is helpful.