Atlanta Property Management for Section 8 -- Question

[Joshua Feit]

BP!

I use one property manager for my rentals, and overall I am really happy with their services.

Last year, I bought a duplex in Grove Park. Nice newer building, and we rehabbed it well. We wanted to hold a property right near the Atlanta Reservoir project, and when this came along, we picked it up.

All kinds of potential in the future, but for right now, it is a struggle to get it rented. One side is still vacant -- has been for six months. Some of that time was working with Atlanta to get the housing approved, but mostly I think the problem is that the street / neighborhood is pretty rough (some noisy neighbors and a few shady characters). I would think that it would still appeal to Section 8 tenants, as most of the other houses on the street are occupied.

Here's the question:

Do you think this is more of a problem with the property management company not marketing it correctly? Or do you think that the location is causing this to be difficult to rent?

Bonus question:

If you are a property manager with Atlanta Section 8 experience, or if you know a good one, I'd love to connect with you.

Cheers, Josh

[Patti Robertson]

@Joshua Feit - A couple of thoughts.

- Even when challenging, SEC 8 tenants will rent in a bad neighborhood. The reason is transportation and daycare. They have to work in order to have a voucher, but their low paying jobs don't allow them afford daycare. Therefore they tend to want to live in the neighborhood where they have extended family - mom, grandmom, aunts, etc.

- The ugliest photo possible - other than the toilet-  was chosen as the first photo featured in your photos.  Your kitchen looks nice.  I'd suggest using that or the full exterior as your feature photo.  Instead they have a close up of screen doors with bars on them.  Even your full exterior photo looks way more inviting.

- On the GoSection8.com website the first photo that shows for your property literally is the toilet!

- I couldn't find a video of the property. That would help.