To sell or rent is the question ?

[Alexander Spira]

Hi All. Good news we are finishing up my second project in Baltimore on E Lorraine closer to John Hopkins. Bad news is we went over budget. First the house was not rehabbed in 30 plus years and my contractor/property manager and I want to do quality work and refinance out of the project. So new roof totally lead free meaning new door frames etc new kitchen two new bathrooms and sheet rocked the whole house redid or carpeted every inch of floor. All in with purchase and all we are at 145k. I got a commercial loan to pull out the cash for about $1250 per month. We estimate a rental income of about $1500. That leaves me with $250 a month. I feel like a few repairs and property management or tax increase might eat up the profits.  Now we are on a good block and house's are selling in the 200's. So plan B is to sell it and make 50k. 

What do you think, would it be best to sell and make 50k or stick to long term plans of building a buy and hold portfolio for $250 cash flow per month ?

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

[Ned Carey]

@Alexander Spira what hundred block of East Lorraine. That area has changed dramatically over the last 10 years or so. However depending on exactly where you are, you are not far from some pretty run down areas. The $1500 a month rent seems high but again a few block either way makes a big difference.  

Those cash flow numbers seem a little tight to me. I would be tempted to sell.  You have to weigh the cash flow vs potential for appreciation if that area continues to improve. 

I have fond memories or scoping out east Lorraine (400 blk??) and seeing houses abandoned for so long, trees were growing out the roof.