market insight for new investor

[Brian Taylor]

Hello all.  I am a new investor looking for my first property.  One area in which I am considering buying in is the st. louis area, especially the metro east on the illinois side of the river because I grew up in that area and am familiar with it.  Can anyone give me any insight into the state of the real estate market their?  How are things appreciating?  How easy/difficult is it to keep your place rented?  I appreciate any insight that anyone is willing to share.  

[Kyle Eckert]

@Brian Taylor

I exclusively operate on the MO side, but I would need more clarification on what metro east means to you.  I know a couple investors with buy and hold properties in Granite City, but the rest of what I would call the Metro East isn't... a place I would want to live.

I couple years back I would run numbers on properties across the river, and nearly every time the higher IL taxes ate up the cashflow.  I cant see how investors are succeeding across the river with taxes like that without higher rents.

IL in general is also losing people on a statewide scale, which doesnt look good for rents and property values in the long run.

Hope thats helpful.

Cheers!