How to choose an area to invest in

[Isaac Geller]

Hi all,

my name is Tsahi and i am new here. really exited about this website.

I do not live in the U.S.A and from the prodcasts i have heared so far 2 question popped to my head:

1. I don't know america, the countries, the cities ect. so how am i supposed to define a specific area to focus is?

i mean, i know that that this are needs to have certain parameters that are important for me as an investor, but your counry is  H U G  E,

how can i even start looking, how can a make a filter or use profiling charachteristics that will help me to choose a specific location?

2.Iv'e been hearing a lot of sentences like "you have to look at 50-100 houses before you buy" and "only if you are looking inside the house you can eventually estimate the real value" and so forth. now, this sentences are very logical and seems true, but as for now i am not in the position to do that sort of stuff. i have to trust indise guys that will help me, and to be totaly dependent of them. and advise how can i overcome this obstacle?

Thanks for reading this, i hope my grammer is right:)

[Mike D'Arrigo]

@Isaac Geller The U.S. is divided in to what is called Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA's). There are roughly 350 of them. I recommend starting by identifying a handful of MSA's with strong population and job growth. Look for diverse and growing economies with a broad employment base. You can find most of this information through the U.S. Census Bureau and Dept of Labor Statistics. Once you'd identified a market with good economic and demographic fundamentals, drill down and start looking at markets with high rent/price ratio's, favorable property taxes and homeowners insurance rates and favorable landlort/tenant laws. Being that you are outside of the country you may want to go the turn key route. If so, look for markets with well established , reputable turn key companies There are several good cash flow markets. Personally I like Indianapolis and Kansas City a lot. Both offer strong cash flow ROI and have growing populations and jobs.