Gentrifying Neighborhoods in Los Angeles

[AJ Spile]

Hi All! 

I'm looking to identify my target location for my first real estate investment. I understand Los Angeles is a tough area to get started, but I believe I can find a way to make it happen. Before I do, I'm trying to understand the best location to make my first investment and I know gentrification is an important indicator to look at. Does anyone have any idea of some locations where gentrification is happening in Los Angeles? 

Any thoughts or links to useful resources would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[Account Closed]

Hi @AJ 

@AJ Spileundefined

I recommend avoiding the neighborhoods where gentrification has already started because the prices have already jumped, making it tough to cashflow. Look for the neighborhoods that will be next to change in a couple years. As I mentioned below, look at curbedla.com, urbanize LA, Los Angeles Business Journal and as much content as possible to gain an informational edge on where development will occur and that should be your next neighborhood to focus on. My fiance and I recently purchased a 4bd/2ba duplex near USC (Vermont Harbor area) for less than what it costs to purchase a standard SFR on Crenshaw. Also, look for pulled permits and transactions of larger multifamily properties in your target neighborhoods and you'll identify the larger investors. I've found that larger investors typically have an informational advantage or they have a project in mind.

We have a few flippers in the South Los Angeles area and as the elderly leave their homes and the local turnover increases, we're going to see more RE transactions and flips because these neighborhoods have homes that maintain a  lot of character, they're still relatively affordable compared to the rest of LA, and the commute to DTLA is also really short (it takes us 15-30 minutes to get to DTLA depending on the traffic). Drive the neighborhoods and work your magic. 

We also have a South LA BP meeting every month - our Facebook group (South Los Angeles Biggerpockets Meeting) has meeting updates and we also post the events on BP. Hope this helps!