Hagerstown MD

[Christian Sifuentes]

Anyone have any feedback on areas to stay away from when investing in buy and hold in Hagerstown. I have heard that the cash flow is good, i have been there a few times but not enough to get an idea of any hot spots or places to avoid.

Thank you 

[Beth L.]

@Christian Sifuentes I personally stay away from downtown, but I know many, especially that are not from this area, that do invest there. I manage my own rentals and I would not feel comfortable being downtown to show units, especially in the evening by myself. I do not want to deal with the drama from tenants and neighbors, and dealing with accepting Section 8. Also, being a landlord and property owner in city limits means that you have to deal with the city. They do inspections inside and out every so often and nit pick over the smallest things and make you fix them. My brother has a townhouse near the hospital (decent area near great schools, but still in city limits), and they came by and made him replace a window shutter because one of the slats was cracked. That meant that he had to purchase ALL new shutters since he couldn't get one to match, and pay someone to install them. I can see the good in this; it makes the city look good. But dealing with them is just another thing to consider.

I target nicer rentals outside city limits and, even though the properties are not as abundant and cost more, you also get more rent, and a better tenant base. I always look for places that I would like to rent and live in myself.

Like Devonte mentioned, I was born and raised in this area and know it pretty well. I don't have negative thoughts about Hagerstown in general, just about downtown and some outlying areas. But I know that it works for other investors, so that's good for them!