How to pick a location...

[Jenna Gollands]

Hi there. I am looking to invest in my first property and as most of you likely felt early on, it can be a bit overwhelming. I am looking to buy and hold a single family home via either short term or long term rentals. 

So far I have been looking at Bend, OR, Sunriver, OR, and Palm Sorings CA.

For example: In Sunriver, OR I am finding that it might be difficult to pay off my mortgage and monthly expenses via renting which to me seems like it wouldn’t be a smart investment then. 

A couple questions come to mind:

1. Any advice for a first timer? 

2. How did you determine which location was the best place and has the biggest ROI for your first investment property?

3. If I won’t have a positive cash flow each month, is it a smart investment?

4. Which markets are the best to buy in currently?

Thank you for the help!