House Hacking in Washington DC

[Andrew McCartin]

I'm a new investor based in Washington DC with a goal of making my first deal in 2020, and a house hack it will be! I've had my eyes set on a few neighborhoods in Southeast (across the river) as that seems to be where the path of gentrification is headed. I'm interested in hearing everyone's thoughts on what the path(s) of gentrification will look like over the next 3-5 years in the District. 

Additionally, I'm curious to hear your favorite methods for getting a feel for the outlook of different neighborhoods. I'm personally an avid reader of PoPville, but I'm sure there are tons of other, more creative ways to keep a finger on a neighborhood's pulse without necessarily being there every day. Thoughts? 

[Russell Brazil]

Driving and biking around. Going to local bars/restaurants.

East of the river is certainly changing. A decade ago you probably didn't want to walk around there. Now, you are mostly ok...but you still need to be alert in certain places. 

Deanwood/Minn Ave is an area Id consider. Anacostia, whipe the fastest appreciating neighborhood in DC 4 years straight is attractive in that sense, it can still be pretty rough. So you get that higher return by taking on the higher risk.