New Investor in Jacksonville, FL

[James Harrington]

I am a Jacksonville, FL native but new to REI. I am considering buying a rental property in St Johns county due to the growing population, more reliable tenants, newer homes, etc. even though margins are a little lower.

I have also considered new construction homes (roughly same price as other homes on the market, and it will be brand new so it will have minimal/no repairs and can charge on the upper end for rent?)

Would appreciate any thoughts or advice on investing in Jax.

[Samuel Nichols]

Hi James, I'm not a Jax native, but am looking to get into the market as well. 

From what I have learned so far, Saint Johns County has a specific demand for single family rentals. There are many long term good quality tenants there and they tend to move in the summertime to work with the school schedules. That being said it is not a very good cashflow market and more of a good appreciation market, due to the development, people moving there, and great quality schools. 

I looked at 2 SF homes in St Johns, and analyzed many more. I moved my search back to Duval county though because of the more active and growing economy. It seems to be easier to find cashflow and appreciation areas. 

It sounds like we have a similar goal though, if you'd like to bounce ideas off me and vice versa that'd be rad!

-Samuel