Houston to Galveston- Buy and Hold

[Chris Nowlin]

I am eagerly anticipating my first steps into real estate. I have spent several months saving and researching for my first investment. I currently live in the League City area and would prefer my first rental property to be located close by (south of downtown). I am born and raised in the area and fairly familiar with the region. More than anything I was hoping to get some feed back on the best places to find quality investment properties. I currently use realtor.com, loopnet.com, as well as, my girlfriend. She has recently become an agent. To better clarify, I am curious if there are any hidden places that specialize in investment properties, similar to the BP marketplace, that can be sorted by zip code, price, etc. 

[Randall Jacobs]

Appreciation is generally minimal in the Houston burbs.  My appreciation in the past 10 years has probably @20% on average, nothing to brag about. Cash flow is great.  My wife and I live very comfortably on 11 properties. 

Pearland has a double whammy, not only are the schools excellent, but their sports programs are phenomenal.  We frequently are asked by our non-Pearland tenants to let them know when a Pearland property comes available. 

The sweet spot for rent is $1000- 1500, so try for properties where those numbers will work.  4 bedrooms rent faster and higher than 3 bedrooms.  

If you want to talk sometime, I will be happy to further answer your questions. 

Randy