Investing in the 'Hood', Improving Communities

[Darrian Davis]

Investing in lower income neighborhoods is my niche. I was born and raised in the hood so I'm comfortable with these areas. Yes, the crime rate is higher than other areas, the schools are not as funded, and there are many other issues that might make these areas "undesirable" for some. Not me. I see opportunity. I see hope. I see families that deserve to have the pride that comes with being a home owner. 

With all these negatives being said, I think it only fair that I mention some positives. High cash flow and low entry costs. Fertile grounds for community building.

I am a proponent of reinvesting back into these communities. The common plan for most folks that grew up on the wrong side of the tracks is to find a way to get out. Well, if everyone that was raised in the hood and becomes successful moves out, than how will the hood improve?

Our real estate business model is a community development approach.The goal is to take the one or two destabilizing homes in a block and improve the safety, community pride and quality of life for all residents, especially the most under served buyers — women, minorities and families of modest means. We educate and assist individuals on the process of buying a home, obtaining mortgage loans, and responsible home ownership before purchase. Partnerships with the City of Kansas City are leveraged to get people into city funded programs.The goal is to provide the residents with resources for minor and major home repairs, community garden assistance and improve overall neighborly pride

I'm hoping to exchange some ideas and encouragement from others who operate under a similar logic- and perhaps a lil networking, of course?!?

[Justin Ericsson]

Darrian... We need to connect I can provide a lot of insight into this model. I also invest in higher risk neighborhoods and have done well for the local communities. It's hard work but very rewarding. Like Jay said not enough people doing it but although I have to say it is in fact possible. You have to very geocentric in the approach meaning you can change all the communities at the same time. Take a block you like and go 1 mile in every direction and start there. Over time you will make a big impact and other investors will follow. I started out in one zip code and now cover 33 zip codes with a hybrid of A, B, and C locations. I spread the risk around and help the communities in the process.