Thoughts on Baltimore Market (Buy and Hold)

[Justin Carter]

Hello BP Community!

I am currently based in Chicago, IL and relocating to the DMV area in a few months. I plan to start investing in the DMV area and was wondering what submarkets are worth looking at from both a flip and a buy and hold perspective?

DC is very expensive and so I’m thinking Baltimore may be my best bet; or areas right outside of Washington, D.C.

Interested in you guys’ thoughts!

[Tim Jacob]

Another thing is that Baltimore has areas that do well.  There are low risk markets in Baltimore and high risk markets in DC but in general there is more the other way around.  Labeling an entire metro area cant be done accurately.  In general cash flow will be better in Baltimore and DC has better appreciation.  You need someone local that knows the neighborhood.  For instance their is a stigma unless you are in the inner harbor you are in a war zone in Baltimore.  That is not even close to true.  There are good areas to invest in the city outside of that.  People that come up here and think they will do well with a house in areas with less than 100k arv  dont do well but your entry point is far lower in general for similar assets.  Then it comes down to cash flow or appreciation .  That doesnt mean that there will be no appreciation in Baltimore or cash flow in DC.  

Someone with decent local knowledge can help you in either market.