Hey guys,

I'm looking at investing in US real estate, preferably along the west coast so i can fly in and out easily. Before I go any further, I am street and financially smart and not a unreasonable fool with unreasonable expectations.

Current Budget: $250,000-$500,000
Goal: 5-10% ROI annually minimum over three years average

Current thoughts: Buy a handful of properties (one at a time of course, not straight diving in) from different locations (even states) and then over time compare performance and satisfaction and then reinvesting more money in markets I like or see higher potential in. I would do this by putting down 20-25% and then renting out for positive cashflow and hanging onto the property until prices bounce back.

Where I'm lacking is knowledge about the US markets (where to invest). I've heard good things about Houston from various sources so that will be a stop for sure but what resources are available to me to do research on areas? Once I choose areas I will find Agents with experience in investments such as this (most likely from forums such as this if allowed) who have been successful at what they do and who can basically "sell me" on the idea on investing in that neighborhood or that specific property(ies) using statistics, trends and other knowledge that may be hard to find online.

Any suggestions, advice and comments would be greatly appriciated. I found dqnews.com to be a good starting spot but where do I read from here?

Thanks!

My suggestion would be to start close to home. Get your feet wet with your first property then grow from there. This would allow you to learn and also research different areas of the country. There are great buys all over and it will really come down to the areas of the country you like most and wouldn't mind visiting :-)

Find a mentor. Don't rush into your first purchase. You want to make sure you do not over pay. Know the market/area before you start making offers. Know the most you will pay for a home. Learn to walk away if it's not at your price.

Depending on the area/city you invest in, you will want to also research what rents are going for. You do not want to purchase a $250,000 home in an area where you can only get $1000 per month. When my Husband and I lived in Atlanta we loved to buy homes in the $100,000-$125,000 range, max. We knew we could cash flow those properties. In a lot of areas around the country, the rents have not increased enough.

Good luck investing!

__________________
Debbie James, Realtor
Crye-Leike Coastal Realty
850-450-2000 cell
Get Lots Of Real Estate Referrals
Emerald Coast Florida Real Estate

Stay In Touch With Customers

Okaloosa, Walton & Bay County Florida Real Estate

Spam Removed.

If you had an appetite for the Mid-Atlantic Region, I could ceertainly help you out....

Spam!