Pensacola Investors question

[Connor Deneen]

Question for you all, is anyone familiar with the Sanders Beach area in Pensacola? I've been getting mixed opinions about it being a good/bad area to invest. Thoughts?

[Matt Robinson]

Definitely some great points by Ben.  I noticed in your profile that you've been investing in stocks for a while.  As you probably know from that world, those who try to guess the market in stocks go broke...day traders, etc.  Those who look for strong, growing companies, and buy consistently over time (dollar cost averaging) usually do very well.  They do ESPECIALLY well when they look for VALUE (underpriced due to emotion or buying during a correction when scared money is fleeing).

It's not all that different with investing in real estate.  Typically those who pay RETAIL, and overleverage, banking on strong appreciation or a "hot area"...will fall flat and go broke.  Those who simply look for value properties (motivated sellers selling at below market value) with strong cash flow (not over-leveraging or getting in too high of a price range), will typically do very well over time.  If you get lucky and hit the right neighborhood with rapid appreciation, consider it a bonus.  But don't make it your primary factor for buying.  Best of luck to you!