Rules of thumb for Center Point, Birmingham, Alabama

[Daniel Mills]

Hi guys,

I'm in the process of looking for a rental in the Center Point area of Birmingham. I am working with an agent, but of course, I'm weeding through a lot of listings.Are there any rules of thumb that more experienced investors in the area use when selecting properties? 

For example, is there a school I should be close to? Is there a part of the area or street that has higher crime and should be avoided? Is there a type of house that doesn't rent well?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Daniel

[Spencer Sutton]

Hey Daniel,

Yes, @Wilson Lee is correct. There are many D class properties in Centerpoint and it can vary from street to street. You will also need to consider your prospective tenant and their willingness to pay premium rent for a nicer house. Nicer C class can command close to $1,000 in rent, but your pool of solid prospective tenants shrinks as well. 

It's best if you actually walk the house and see the street for yourself. The last thing you want to do is to purchase a nice turnkey on a street that is deteriorating. 

Best of luck to you!

Spencer