Investing in Ocean Springs, Biloxi, Gulfport MS

[Bruce Martin]

Hello BP Community,

I am moving to Ocean Springs next month so I am in the market for a new place to live. I have been looking at multi-family properties in the area. My plan is to start off with a duplex utilizing the VA loan (for no $ down purposes) and save the equity from my current house for other deals. I prefer to purchase rental properties instead of flips.

So my question is what areas would you recommend?

I would prefer to stay closer to Ocean Springs but there are few multi-family properties here. Some do pop up on the MLS but there are definitely more in Biloxi or Gulfport.

One area that has caught my attention is the Layton Drive properties in Gulfport (South Hampton Townhomes). Many 2/3/4-plexes are available in here - actually the whole development appears to be for sale. I have spoken with a realtor and got the tax, rent, and insurance info for the properties but I am still a little leery because they are all for sale and none have sold.

I will not be limited to one property either so I have thought of a buying a couple SFRs.

I have researched the area as much as I can without physically going there so feel free to chime in with any advice or recommendations.

Thank you

[Bruce Martin]

@Bryan C. Sorry for the really delayed response.  I haven't logged on here for a while.  So I did end up purchasing 4 of the Layton Drive properties.  I ended up using a commercial loan since they were individually deeded.  The area has some issues, lower income, no uniform management for the whole place, etc.  I was aware of this going into it and I'm aware that there won't be a great amount of appreciation but it is cash flowing well.  I even have four inherited tenants still in place with minimal issues.  One guy has been late a couple times but he always pays last minute prior to filing for eviction.