Grand Rapids, MI - VS - Kalamazoo, Michigan

[Joshua W.]

Any thoughts on pros and cons on focusing on either Kalamazoo, MI or Grand Rapids, MI market.   Buy and hold or possible flips?  

A bit about my situation;

I grew up in Kalamazoo and have more connections in Kalamazoo but seem to be leaning towards GR only because of the population and growth.  I have no experience but have built some cash reserves and have the credit to qualify, also I travel for work and have my housing paid by my company witch adds another complexity.

Bit of a loaded question I suppose, any suggestions or thoughts would be appreciated.

Pros;

Cons; of the markets?

[Kase Knochenhauer]

@Joshua W. - you've got some pretty solid answers from @Jack Ropp and @Andri Grullon already. 

I would add three things:

1. Invest where you have connections first - it will provide a path of least resistance and build a business that you can duplicate to a different market when you are ready. 

2. Flipping in Grand Rapids tends to be more successful due to the complete lack of affordable (and clean) homes available as Andri mentioned.

3. Deals are everywhere. Don't be feel like you need to blacklist a market because you heard it was expensive. We've purchased dozens of properties at 20-40% market value from sellers who literally begged us to buy their home because they just wanted to be done with it (in expensive markets).

Build your team and use them to find, rehab and rent your properties. It won't matter much if its Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, or elsewhere in West Michigan.