New Investor Looking to get into Champaign, Illinois

[Myles Taccini]

Hi all,

It's great to be joining this community! I'm a CA investor looking to purchase buy-and-hold rentals out of state once or twice a year. I've been stalking the forums, podcasts, books, webinars, etc. for months now, and I've been eager to find the optimal market to get started in.

My research has led me to Champaign, Illinois because of good trends in income, job, and population growth, strong price-to-rent ratios, declining crime metrics, and homes that are in my price range. 

I could definitely benefit from some "boots on the ground," and any advice from experts in the area would be welcomed. As well, I'd love to connect with an agent who has experience working with investors, or who invests themselves in the area, and hopefully build a strong connection. Hope we can talk soon!

-Myles

[Russell Holmes]

@Myles Taccini welcome to Bigger Pockets!  While I'm not in Illinois, I can tell you that you're in the right place searching for knowledge and professionals on this platform!

Once you make a few connections in the area, I suggest making a trip out there to scope out the area and meet the folks you'll be working with face to face.  I have worked with out of state investors several times buying here in Central FL, many of whom make offers on property without being here at the time the listing pops up.  The ones who have made a trip here to meet me, explore the areas of interest, meet property managers, and get a feel for the 'lay of the land' are far more comfortable pulling the trigger on making an offer when the perfect deal comes up days after they made it back home.  You may not find the perfect deal when you're in town, but having set foot there and seen various neighborhoods goes a long way in interpreting listings and the market when you get back home and communicate with a Realtor by email discussing listings.

Good luck on your investing journey!