Moving back into okc and looking for a market to start in

[Trey Millard]

Hey I'm new to the markets in Oklahoma and was wondering if anyone had experience investing in Shawnee, OK or Ardmore, OK. I played football at the university of Oklahoma and like the idea of smaller towns in the area. I live in OKC and my wife's family is from Ardmore so I'm trying to pick towns that are close to where I'll be. I just don't know a lot about those markets, and would love any insight people might have.

[Paul Choate]

I have about 30 units in Shawnee. I am a strong believer in the area. They have just started a community program called the Blue Zones Project (www.bluezonesproject.com). It is a pretty cool deal. They are replacing all the sidewalks at the intersections and there has been a ton of growth up by the interstate. 

I am having a little harder time finding the lower end properties I usually invest in but that is mostly because I have been tightening up my personal requirements and ratios. You will need to have good property management in place or be personally involved as the tenants tend to be more management intensive. The cash flow is great. Appreciation- not so much. Although, I have done two wholesale deals this year. I sold the properties for $18K and $35k and they are now listed for $149K and $120K after rehabs. I'm watching to see how they do. Good luck on your efforts!