Possible move to Atlanta area in 6 months - good / bad areas?

[Tim Callahan]

My wife and I are starting to consider the idea of moving to the Atlanta area in about 6 months (we live in Maine now).  She grew up in LaGrange, about an hour southwest of Atlanta, and we would likely live there.  Nothing is in stone yet, we are just considering it.  I don't know ATL at all, but I would like to start buying rentals in the area.  What areas to stay away from?  Areas that look good for rentals?  Single and up to 4 units considered.  We currently have a 3-unit here which we will keep.  I've also done a bunch of rehab flips and held other rentals in Maine (and 1 remote rental in PA that didn't work out well).  Thanks!

[Michael Dumler]

@Tim Callahan, the real estate investment space in and around (25-35 mins) Atlanta is competitive, to say the least. Acquiring small multifamily investments has been more difficult than ever due to still aggressive buyer demand and scarce inventory. LaGrange, however, is a little different. The market is not as competitive as some other submarkets closer to the city and depending on the deal itself, the price-to-rent ratio is more appealing. That being said, from an appreciation perspective, more often than not, ATL submarkets closer to the City will perform better in the long run. Needless to say, renters in LaGrange are not commuting to the City for work, therefore, you're more so looking at blue collard/working-class tenants. If you have any real estate-related or ATL market-specific questions feel free to reach me via cell or email (contact info is listed in my bio). This past year (2022), many of my clients have focused on Mableton and Austell for deal acquisition. We were able to source solid performing rentals in those areas respectively.