older home purchases in Bakersfield

[Lindsey Maroun]

I am new to PB and real estate investing in general. I've saved up some money and read some books, and now I am ready to start investing! I've been looking into multi-family properties under $200k and SFR around $100k, and I have seen a lot of older properties. Like really old. 1915-1950. I have found one that looks great, but it has evaporative AC and a septic tank. I've done some research on both, and neither one seems to be a huge negative in general, but I am wondering if they may be a negative in Bakersfield. I've read that the success of septic tanks is somewhat dependent on soil absorption, so I am wondering is anyone has had continuous success or problems with septic tanks in Bakersfield. For the AC, is evaporative going to lower the value of the retnal since it reaches above 100 de Anyone have an idea of how the older homes hold up here in general?

[Brad B.]

@Lindsey Maroun - In Bakersfield, evaporative coolers are pretty normal in lower prices neighborhoods. Whether or not it's appropriate for your house will depend on if the houses in the neighborhood have them or not. As for septic tanks, you should get the tank inspected and certified to make sure it's in good condition since if it's really old it may have to be replaced. But the good thing about a septic tank is they last a long time and you won't have to pay a sewer bill.