1 Bath vs. 2 Bath Rentals

[Account Closed]

I am getting ready to begin my search for my first rental.  I will be living in this house for a few months before turning it into a rental.  During my time living there I will rehab it and make it more desirable for the tenants.  My question is: is the demand for a 2 bathroom home worth the price difference compared to a 1 bathroom home?  In other words, is it worth it to buy a house with 2 bathrooms instead of a house with 1 or 1.5?  I heard the difference in rent is not much and it is still fairly easy to find a tenant for a 3 BR 1 bath home.  Anyone with experience want to share?

[Deborah Pyburn]

Study the market specific to Clemson. I know in Atlanta we are able to rent 3/1's fairly quickly but that's moreso because people are looking for a quick move or a lower price point. I have heard a lot of potential tenants say they liked the price, location, etc but they really wish they had a second bathroom. My personal preference as a property manager/owner is 2 bathrooms. Another side to consider: if a toilet or shower stops working in a unit with 2 bathrooms, while it is a maintenance priority, it's not an "emergency" like it would be for a 1 bathroom rental.