Areas around Baltimore

[Elke Cardella]

I am looking to invest in the greater Baltimore area - probably two houses in the $200k - $300k range. I'm not looking to renovate or buy wholesale/foreclosure or any other discount option. I'm looking for a good deal on a turnkey property that i can immediately rent out. Hoping for some cash flow, but more importantly appreciation greater than inflation - ideally 3%-4%. Does anyone have any thoughts on areas? Owings Mills looks like it has had a lot of development - is this area getting overdeveloped or is there a lot of demand out that way? And Baltimore city east? I've seen posts that people don't believe there is any appreciation there. I own a house on N. Montford and it's seen a lot of ups and downs in value. I'd love to hear any thoughts on this. (Ned?) Thank you anyone for your opinions!

[Val Csontos]

@Elke Cardella When you are that far away, you need to keep in mind a few thing: 

    Out of state people might try to sell you properties that are not in nervelessly good investments for you but it helps them to achieve their goals by unloading it to you, and others.

    Also appreciation can be speculative as there are no grantees that you will get them in the future. 

That being said what you probably would want is to do your own homework, by look up US Census sites for various counties around here, and look for areas that had continuous population growth in say the past 10 years, and with a forecast for additional growth as well. I generally like to see at least a 1.5% growth. Then verify your target area by check the crime reports websites such as www.crimereports.com

       With out some some basic research, some one could sell you properties at highly inflated properties.  

        Before singing anything I would highly recommend to visit down here and see it for your self what you are getting into.The Southwest Airline Hub is located right here, at BWI (Baltimore Airport) if you catch them on a good day you can fly here probably for about $200 round trip.

     One more thing: 

"Caveat Emptor"

Years ago in the 90s my mentor used to warned me about "turn key" properties, he  said that experienced investors will always keep the "good" investments and only pass the so so ones to someone else, and they market those as "turn key" properties.

        If you are in the area and would like to learn more about our area, i will be happy to grub a cup of coffee with you.

Good Luck to you!