Help researching new areas for potential investing...

[Brian H.]

Hey everyone,

So I am starting to entertain the idea of widening my investing radius. It is currently only about 45 minutes from where I am. Seems like a lot of people on here have a much larger area where they do their investing.  I am a self-managing investor, so I don't want my radius TOO huge but, as is preached over and over on here (in a good way!), if we screen correctly we won't be too busy in terms of self managing. 

Anyways, my big quandry is how to appropriately research newer areas?  Sadly, for me, this involves ALL the things.  But, finding a good, but not too busy, realtor to work with me as an investor who hopefully has a good working knowledge of the rental market as well, is my main and first priority.

Also, when looking into new areas... how do you all go about researching the area as a whole in regards to population growth, crime, median incomes, etc. Is city data a good resource or is there somewhere else?  

Also, if anyone is reading this that may be near me and have any info on areas such as Forsyth County, NC or Catawba County, NC, I would greatly appreciate it!! 

Thank you so much for any information to help me with all this!!

[Oscar Lopez]

No worries.  Here is how we would make money.  

1. Wholesale: I find the deal and wholesale it to the buyer. Depending on the size it could be anywhere from $5-$10K. Unless it's something I come across the MLS. However, I do not look for deals for investors on the MLS, I would refer you to a full time real estate agent for that.

2. Renovations: I am General Contractor.  My crew will fix up the place for a fee.  I try to always be fair with my pricing so that I get repeat business but never free. 

3. Listing: I can list the the property on the local MLS and if we find a tenant for the owner then we get a commission.

4. Repairs: Anything breaks on the property, my guys will fix it. For a Fee. ...Again, ALWAYS fair but never free.  

Hope that answers your questions guys.