Looking to Buy a SFR in Phoenix Metro

[Jie Yu]

Hi all! 

I'm a new investor from California. I'm looking to find my first SFH (3+b2b) investment property in the Phoenix area, as a long term buy and hold rental at 300k - 400k price range. I'm mostly looking at Glendale, Mesa and south / southwest Phoenix. Which neighborhoods do you think have good appreciation return in the future? Are there any other areas I should look into?

I want to ask about the South Mountain neighborhood (north of Baseline Rd) in particular. The commute to downtown is convenient, some communities look decent (at least from Google street map). Comparing to more established areas like Chandler and Gilbert, the rental income is similar while property value is only about 3/4. On the other hand, I read from some online article it is one of the worst neighborhood in Phoenix (source). Any local insights about this neighborhood? Is it an up and coming one? 

Looking to get input from everyone and thanks in advance!