Want to buy in Houston

[Raquel Olonde]

I'm a Real Estate Agent in Colorado. I also invest in properties out of state. I'll be in Houston from Thursday to Monday this week and I want to work with an agent who specializes in investment properties, show me some properties and where the best returns in Houston are.

My budget is based on the cash I have $100,000-$150,000 cash, and if I use that as 20% down deposit, my budget will be $500,000-$750,000. I'm also interested in more creative financing as well, owner financing etc.

I'm also looking to build a referral network, people in Colorado are looking out of state for better returns.

[Bill S.]

@Raquel Olonde with cash you should be shopping in the discount isle (from wholesalers).

If you don't know the market, relying on an agent to point you in the right direction is problematic. How do you know that your level of risk matches with their level of risk. As I'm sure you are aware, highest returns generally come from the roughest areas, if properly managed. I would recommend you do more research and reach out to other investors to gain a feel for the market. No offence but agents only get paid when they sell you something. Your post is so wide open (ie Houston and best returns) it makes it hard to know what you are looking for. 

If I was entering a market the size of Houston, I would do enough research to identify several areas of interest. Those areas would consider typical returns balanced with tenant quality and personal safety. At that point, I would reach out to agents who work those areas. 

To put a local spin on your request. I know "investor agents" who point investors to 3/2/2s in Cherry Creek School District in South Aurora and others who point people to condo complexes south of Stapleton in Aurora. Each has their approach and has it's own merit. My suggestion would be for you to drill down to know whether you want the 3/2/2 in CCSD or the condo in Aurora before calling out to investor agents. 

Seasoned agents will want you dialed in so you don't waste their time. New or inexperienced agents won't be helpful because they don't know the market or don't really know what is important for an investor.