Buying my first investment property in the Bay Area

[Fernando E.]

Hi BP family, I'm planning to buy my first investment property with my sister in the Bay Area. I'm planning to buy in Fremont, Hayward, Union City but with my budget it seems that I can only buy condo or townhouse (if there's any left) which we plan to rent but HOA brings the bottom line to negative and doesn't make sense even if we plan to hold for a few years. I'm going through the podcast #200 step by step guide in buying 1st investment property and its very helpful, happy to hear from you good folks! Your input is much appreciated. By the way, i have a full time job so I may have to have a property manager handle the day to day ops, also does Sacramento makes sense? SFH or Condo? Pre approved until $700K but wanted to be conservative budget is $350K. Thanks all!

[Sandeep S.]

@Fernando E. - given your location - I would highly recommend to buy in Hayward like you planned.  And do not assume that it will not cash flow here.  You just have to buy right and equally important - finance right.  Not to say that you cannot do well in Sacramento area - but I am biased in favor of Hayward as that's where I have been investing (for cash flow) for last 7 years and have done very well.  Also - you will learn a lot more if your first purchase is in local market.  

Good luck!