Can Massachusetts be profitable?

[Tyler Martel]

I am 23 years old looking to invest in rental properties but all that I hear are horror stories. Can investing in Massachusetts be profitable?

[Javier Medina]

Great question tyler I've been wondering the same thing , but I'm pretty sure there is always something out there . Looking to here what some of the veterans here say

[Charlie MacPherson]

@Tyler Martel My plans confine my investing to fix & flip because my risk tolerance is lower that you'll need to be a landlord.  Especially because the landlord/tenant laws in MA are tilted wildly in the tenant's favor.

That said, there are tens of thousands of landlords in MA who make a living at it, so take my comment for what it's worth.

Properties inside RT 128 are selling at sky high prices.  Triple deckers are routinely selling in the $1.5M - $2.5M range anywhere in Boston, except Dorchester and Mattapan - and those are catching up.

I would look in Plymouth and Bristol counties.  Plymouth, Middleboro, Kingston, Pembroke, Brockton, Taunton, Fall River, New Bedford.  These are places that you can still find reasonably priced MFRs that will cash flow.

[Steve Bracero]

@Tyler Martel

Yes, are the horror stories from investors themselves? Do they own property? 

Its true the MA has friendly tenant laws... but if you complete tenant screening, and know your area- you should be able to screen out possible difficult tenants  

[Fred Medeiros]

@Tyler Martel - Now is a great time to invest in rental properties especially in the south coast/ Greater Fall River area. Prices are still low and rents are increasing with very low supply of available apartments for rent. I would say now is the time to buy.   

[David Cahill]

I'd be curious to hear who is telling you the horror stories. I seem to hear them all the time from accidental landlords. These are they types who bought a single or a condo to owner-occupy at first and then rented it out becuase they either couldn't sell it or thought that landlording would be "fun" before realizing what really went into it. As a landlord myself, I always hope for the best, but prepare for the worst. 

[Jose Castillo]

Is anyone looking for deals?

[Tyler Martel]

Thanks for the replies everyone! most of the stories are from family about having bad tenants and it being more of a hassle than an opportunity. I need a mentor to show me how i can start and not lose my shirt. I understand there is inherent risk involved in real estate investing but i want to minimize that risk. 

[Tyler Martel]

Does anyone know if there are any opportunities near the Sturbridge area? I would like my first property to be close by. 

[Steve Bracero]

@Tyler Martel

There is "risk" if you don't do your homework and essentially make a "bad purchase". 

There are a few duplex's in Sturbridge right now, it depends on how close to Sturbridge you would like to be 

[Fred Medeiros]

The SouthCoast Greater Fall River area still remains a great area to invest right now.