All Forum Posts by: James Stout

After reading a lot of posts about out-of-state investing, I'm turning my attention to a place I love but don't get to visit often enough: Boise, ID.

First things first, let me just say I acknowledge that I'm yet another Californian taking up space on your ski slopes...but I do have relatives and an old family home in your great state!

Does anyone have any rules of thumb for investing in small multifamily units or SFR in and around Boise? Ratios for screening deals, bedroom/bathroom configurations, rental rates, local norms for tenant-paid utilities, desirable areas, etc?

What about potential pitfalls - common local issues (foundation problems due to soil, weatherization and plumbing, special tax and utility areas, etc?

I once had the slightly miserable experience of renting a studio at less than 100 sq. ft. for $1,000/month.  But that was Hong Kong, and this is San Diego.  Some studio/ 1br+1ba properties have piqued my interest here as of late but the question remains: how small is too small?

For those of you who may have some experience in smaller units, how small is too small with respect to square footage to have a marketable rental?

Clearly location and condition of the property are factors.  Let's assume both are excellent.  What other factors are must-haves - rent them furnished, special amenities, etc?

Thanks!