Neighborhood turnaround

[Wendy Lavana]

Is it possible to get a neighborhood to turnaround? I have two four unit properties in a low income area that is extremely close to a better area. My fourplexes are in the vicinity of a high school that doesn't have a good reputation. I was thinking of getting involved in the community, finding out if there was anyway to better the neighborhood. It seems like it could have potential. Anyone ever had any experience with turning a neighborhood around? Am I just wishful thinking?

[Al Williamson]

@Wendy Lavana good question but be careful who you listen to. Many love to celebrate their failure or the failures of others.

I've written extensively on the topic over the years here on BP. My revitalizations were called nice and dismissed as gullible and non-profit-ish.

However no one who come by my rentals today will say such things. I'm called lucky. My area has a high demand and my rents are higher than the "good area" of town.

There are too many article to list, but a good start is to search "8 Habits of Highly Effective Inner City Landlords" here on BP.

I've also written a book on the topic to save you heartache and quicken your neighborhood's turnaround. Don't start from scratch.