Thoughts on buy & hold in Sacramento?

[Raymond C.]

Hi everyone,

I've got about 100K to invest in a downpayment and am looking for long term buy and hold opportunities in Northern California. The Bay Area is expensive, and although you might have a better chance finding renters there due to the population and employment opportunities, it doesn't seem like there is much potential anymore in finding a reasonably priced "up and coming" area where long term you can might get lucky.

I've heard on the news that downtown Sacramento, midtown Sacramento, and East Sacramento may have some construction projects in the near future to revitalize some of the areas. It's a sort of a gamble still because the economy is mostly bolstered by State employees, and prices are relatively high still for decent properties. However, the potential for long term growth and the rents to purchase price ratio seems much better than the Bay Area (and much less risky than being a economically depressed place like Stockton where prices are much cheaper).

Anyone have any experience or thoughts about these areas of Sacramento?

Thanks in advance!

[Joe Bertolino]

I have a 4 plex in midtown. I have owned it for 6 years and have never had a vacant month. The rental demand in the grid is as high as anywhere. A craigslist ad will net you a dozen qualified tenants within 24 hours.