What do you guys think of investing in Indianapolis Indiana?

[Anya Swanson]

I’m thinking of investing out of state, right now I’m looking into Indianapolis Indiana. I’m looking for some single family turnkey properties in a good location somewhere in Indianapolis. I’d like to hear everyone’s opinion on that city and state, is it a good area to invest as a first time investor? What do y’all think? 
im also looking into Chattanooga Tennessee, Raleigh North Carolina. 
what do you guys think? I’d love to hear y’all’s thoughts and any recommendations.

Thank you:)

[Jeff Pasmore]

Anya,I love that you’re exploring new markets for investing, but I’ve got a little advice for you. When you’re just starting out, it’s easy to get excited about diving into out-of-state properties, but trust me, staying closer to home has some big advantages. Not only do you know the area better, but you’ve got easy access to the property for inspections, dealing with tenants, and handling any repairs or upgrades that come up.

I know you’re looking into Indianapolis, Chattanooga, and Raleigh—all solid places with potential—but let me throw some local options your way. 
Are you looking because of cost of entry as well as cash flow ?

Since you’re near San Clemente, there are some great spots nearby that could offer strong returns. Here are a few:

• San Juan Capistrano: This place is really starting to grow. You’ve got historic homes mixed with newer developments, and it's got great commuter access. It’s a good balance of appreciation and cash flow potential.
• Laguna Niguel: Just up the road, Laguna Niguel is a solid area for families and has some nice appreciation potential. It’s an established neighborhood with strong demand for both single-family homes and condos.
• Dana Point: Can’t beat being near the beach. It’s popular with homeowners and renters, and there’s a mix of single-family and multi-family investment opportunities there.
• Aliso Viejo: A little more inland, but it’s growing fast, close to job centers, and more affordable than other coastal areas—could definitely see strong growth.
• Laguna Hills: You’ve got a mix of properties here, and it’s well-connected to Irvine and Mission Viejo, so it’s great for long-term appreciation.
• Irvine: I know it’s a bit farther, but Irvine is one of the best for long-term growth—demand is high because of the economy and top schools.
• 
  Now it’s much more costly to purchase in CA , I get it !!
  

Being local gives you an advantage you can check on properties more often, connect with agents directly, and just have a better feel for the neighborhood. Plus, making decisions becomes way easier when you actually know the area.

I get the appeal of out-of-state properties, and those cities you’re looking at definitely have potential, but out-of-state investing comes with its own set of challenges. I’d say do a little more due diligence before jumping in check out local property management, tenant laws, and the economic drivers in those areas.

I hope this helps . Best of Luck … 

What do you think? Would you consider starting closer to home, or do you feel ready to dive into something farther out?