Investment property during Covid-19 - Advice for a first timer

[Priyaa Kalyanaraman]

Hi BP Community, 

This is my first post and have been reading a lot of older posts here to learn about RE investing. I appreciate the advice. I am based in the bay area and looking to purchase my first investment property. I have been looking into cities where tech jobs are moving. I still need to shortlist one city and would love to hear your thoughts on where I should look to generate positive cash flow. Any tips on areas to avoid/look at would be super helpful. I am exploring single family homes in - 

1) Atlanta 

2) Austin

3) Salt Lake City 

4) Denver - Colorado Springs - Boulder area ( Though there is room for a lot of opportunity and growth in this area, the prices are too high. I doubt I will have positive cash flow. Curious to know if this is a wrong assessment, and if I have not explored any pockets in the area that would make financial sense)

5) Idaho

Given that there is a global pandemic, I know it is going to be very challenging to hop on a plane, visit the properties and coordinate logistics. Should I wait until things cool down? 

I am doing my research online and going through listings on Zillow/Realtor. Any suggestions for a first timer investing out of state, virtual meet-ups you recommend, I would love to know. Thanks a lot in advance. 

[Linda S.]

@Priyaa Kalyanaraman,

Where ever you pick, make sure you compare tax rates, and also compare costs of flights/lodging expenses!

Also, don't forget about military bases,  where it's essentially a guaranteed inflow of potential tenants just wanting to rent for a few years!