Requesting inputs about Birmingham, AL

[Shiva S.]

Hello folks

I am a RE investor based out of Fremont, CA and looking to learn more about SFR investment in Birmingham, AL. Based on numbers, I see some good deals here and the numbers really work out. But there are 3 points that I am skeptical about:

1. flood risk (based on floodfactor.com)
2. poverty and crime rate
3. future growth possibilities (in terms of job and population growth)

If other members who are either local to Birmingham, AL or have invested in SFRs in Birmingham, AL, could throw some light on the above 3 points that would be of great help.

Thanks in advance for your inputs.

[Mark Byers]

I'd be more worried about 1 and 2 than 3. If you finance and buy in a flood zone flood insurance will be necessary and expensive. It'd be money well spent to get on a plane and come put your eyes on the different neighborhoods.