Investing in Charlotte, NC and its Surrounding Areas

[Jordan L.]

Hello again BP!

My name is Jordan Little, and I'm a buy/hold investor with one current SFR rental in Kershaw County, South Carolina that's getting about a 7.5% ROI. I have been hunting for my next rental property for the past few months in the same area. However, based on the NOO property taxes unexpectedly eating up my return in SC (yep, lesson learned on due diligence there), I have recently decided to shift my search to Charlotte, NC and the surrounding areas. I'm educating myself on the local market and neighborhoods before I make any offers, and would like to connect with those of you who know the area. I grew up in Lugoff, SC but have lived in California since 2005 and haven't visited Charlotte since my youth. I'm putting myself on somewhat of a fast-track as I'd like to have two more SFR's acquired with tenants in place by the end of this year. As we all are, I'm hungry for as much information as possible and certainly would like to avoid any "gotchyas" with my next investments.

I suppose this is a two-part question.

First, I'm looking at SFRs in good areas so as to attain good tenants who appreciate a quality, livable rental. I love to use city-data.com to analyze the demographics of an area before considering property there, and also am a firm believer in Google Earth's street view as an out-of-state investor. So I can expedite my search, what are some desirable zip codes to take a look at?

Next, does anyone have any general tips about investing in NC or the Charlotte area? I realize this is rather broad, but I have a lot to learn!

Thank everyone in advance. As I add to my portfolio and gain experience myself, I can't wait for the chance to spend more time on Biggerpockets. I work about 55 hours a week serving in a busy restaurant in CA (not glamorous or making use of anything I did in college, but it gives me extra money to invest with) and my goal is to build an REI business and never work for someone else again within the next 3-5 years. I guess you could say I eat/sleep/breathe real estate and am frustrated that, at 29 years old, I only own two houses! lol

Looking forward to meeting some new colleagues!

Jordan