Overpriced Market - So now what do I do?

Overpriced Market - So now what do I do?

Investor · Aurora, Ontario · Member since 2014 · 48 posts · 2 votes

Good afternoon everyone,

I consider myself very much a rookie in the game of real estate investing and have lots to learn but as a canadian counterpart I sometimes find myself gawking at your home prices in the US.  Furthermore, I happen to live in one of the more expensive parts of Canada (Greater Toronto Area i.e. Newmarket, Ontario).  Which brings me to my question to all of you, what is the next logical step for me as a newbie investor? 

I currently own ONE rental property which was a previous home 4 hours away and at the moment based on the numbers I have is slightly on the positive side of the cashflow equation.  Let's say if I count the 5-7% for maintenance and vacancy I finish the month off with 50$ in my pockets.  Again, this was a house purchase and I had no intention on renting it out but instead of selling it when I moved in Southern Ontario, I gave it a go and since then I've ran into Bigger Pockets. :)

Without seeming to be long-winded with all of this, I am wondering if I should just consider my hometown market which is affordable but again 4hrs away.  Or should I open my eyes to the U.S. knowingly that the distance/tax implications/ etc... is a whole different bag of tricks for a seasoned investor let alone a new guy on the block.

What do you guys think? 

To give you an example of what exists in my neck of the woods:

4 plex - 4 one bedroom units - century home - approx 700sqft each unit rents for approximately 800-900 per month on the safe side.

Asking price : 649900$...  you don't even need to do the math to know this is the sinking Titanic for someone who doesn`t know what they are doing.

Looking forward to hearing from you guys,

Cheers!

Jamie Montpellier

High School Business Teacher / Part-time REI

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  • Investor · Boca Raton, FL · Member since 2012 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    12y

    Hi Jamie,

    Welcome to BP, for a wealth of information at your fingertips!  I am from Oakville, and spend part of my time in Florida as well.  

    There are still properties to be found that cashflow a little in the communities surrounding the GTA, places such as Hamilton, Brantford, K-W, Whitby, Barrie, etc.  Along with the right strategy, such as student rentals or Rent to Own (lease options), can improve the cashflow a bit more.  However, one still has to consider that this over-inflated market can't last forever and you may end up owning an underwater property if and when the market reverses course.

    I had the same view of our overpriced market about 1.5 years ago and have been liquidating my holdings in Canada, turning my attention to the US market.  I'll be honest, it definitely is not easy for a long distance investor, and have made some horrendous mistakes along the way, but am slowly realizing the benefits of US real estate!  

    If you want to chat more on your best course of action, I'd be happy to help. 

    Regards,
    Chad

  • Real Estate Coach · Venice Beach, CA · Member since 2012 · 6k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    12y

    Investing in the US really isn't too hard. If you with with a professional who can get your entity and tax structuring in place ahead of time, it's really no big deal at all. Financing isn't easy, but there are private financing options Canadians can use. 

    Just as if you were going to buy in a long-distance part of Canada from where you live, it's all about the team you work with. Get that right and it will be just as easy, if not easier, as if you were buying in your backyard.

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