Buy and Hold Investor - Looking for a cash flow positive property

[Stephen Covel]

New to the forum and site - I am a novice buy and hold investor, looking to find an initial cash flow positive property (and several more). Even with a 25% down payment (typical requirement for a mortgage company/bank) this seems difficult to do in Eastern MA as rents have not appreciated at the same level as property values. I realize there are multiple ways to generate returns (cash flow, amortization of principal, appreciation, tax) - my strategy is hold, generate cash flow, have someone else pay the mortgage and utilize the tax benefits - appreciation is gravy. The cash flow does not need to be high initially but would not like to be negative. I have modeled out the cash flows / total return  and using very conservative assumptions, if you take into account the amortization, you will generate a high single digit, tax free return initially (perhaps much greater as rents/ property values increase - over time) ... this to me is a much more appealing place for a portion of my money than stocks or bonds at this point. - Any thoughts you may have would be appreciated ...

Also does anyone have thoughts on adjacent markets in the area - or across the country that have better returns? 

Thanks 

[Robert Granara]

I see your from Norwood...I'm on the North Shore, basically still greater Boston...my experience is that cash flow inside 128 will be very difficult...even inside the 495 belt will be tough but doable maybe in the cities of Lowell and Lawrence or down closer to you say Brockton or Taunton ...to get good cash flow you have to go to central Mass or even RI...