Lakeland, FL Buy and Hold Properties

[Richard Ellis]

I live Winter Park, FL but I'm looking in Lakeland, FL for buy and hold deals and I wanted to get the opinion of other investors before looking any further. Upon initial analysis, it seems that there are a TON of good deals in Lakeland. For instance, 1,000-1,200 sq ft homes in decent areas built in the 1970-1980 range selling for 40-70k with maybe $10,000 in rehab necessary for make it rentable for 800-1,100/month. Anyone working in the Lakeland area have any insight here? I lived there for 4 years so I am familiar with the area. I really like the idea of multi-family properties, but these SFRs seem to be really good deals as well for their discounted price.

[Robert Berganza]

Just drove to the area and park. You'll soon see what kind of neighborhood it is. And if you show up and are not willing to stop and look in fear of being mugged, that's a good indication you're in one of our war zones.

Or if it's a Combee Rd, Wabash, or numbered street address, it's likely a war zone.