New members from Washington

[James Haffner]

Hey everyone! New members introducing ourselves, as recommended. I say "members" because it's my girlfriend Kellie, and I. Working on this project. Were currently living in Washington. 

We're looking to invest in the Marysville/Lake Stevens area. Our short term goal is to purchase a cash flowing property by January. 

Our long term goal is to be able to supplement our income using rental properties. We want either a duplex or a SFR.

I'm kinda curious on how the market is? Are prices high? Is it a good time to find a buy and hold opportunity? If so what factors should we be looking at? Curious to know how to research the success of others who are in our market also. 

Anyways, these are all questions I'm sure have been answered in the forums. So in a nutshell we're Tony & Kellie :)  

[Michele Fischer]

Welcome to BiggerPockets!  My husband and I are also a couple investing, and it works out well to balance our strengths and weaknesses.

I agree with others to maybe look closer at Oak Harbor.  A weak job market may be  a reason to not concentrate and get 10 untis in that area, but I don;t think it rules out starting there.  We have five properties in a similar demographic area and they are cash flowing great, which takes the sting out of the non-existent appreciation.

There are a lot of reasons to not concentrate on the college student market, but I wouldn't put evictions and non-payments high on the list.  The parents co-sign, and both the parents and students have credit they want to protect, so thy are unlikley to let things go to eviction.  There was a recent BP podcast about renting to students you may want to listen to.