Texas vs Arizona vs Utah

[Josh Lear]

Hello everyone!

My name is Josh. My girlfriend/business partner and I are moving from San Diego, CA to a state that is more conducive to owning rental properties. We do not currently own any properties and are hoping to buy our first few rentals ASAP. Currently we are deciding between 4 areas:

1. Dallas-Fort Worth

2. Houston

3. Phoenix

4. Salt Lake City

What area do you think would be the best for rental property newbies, and why?

Thank you for your help... we've really been racking our brain on this one.

[Seth Johnson]

I would recommend the Phoenix area.  The market is relatively inexpensive to invest in, so the mistakes you make as you are learning, will be less costly.  Rents are high compared to the cost of purchasing, and its an extremely landlord friendly state.  I am biased however, as I have invested heavily in the Mesa/Tempe/Chandler/Gilbert market.  I began doing so, while I was living in San Diego, though I no longer live there.....just my 2 cents.