Investing in Baltimore, MD

[Nghi Le]

I'm considering investing remotely in Baltimore, especially around John Hopkins University.  The numbers I've been seeing on some of the deals seem pretty good for either flipping (I'd have to have a partner on the ground that I can trust) or as rentals.  But my biggest concern with any out-of-state investment is, "If I build it, will they come?"

I would love to hear some advice from the locals regarding this area.  I've looked at some threads regarding general Baltimore and they mention things like laws favoring the tenant and making sure there are actually sold comps otherwise your property will sit (although flippers should be doing this in any market).

[Account Closed]

I invest exclusively in Baltimore City. It can be a gold mine- but like any gold mine- it takes work and there is risk. I don't have anything to compare our laws to because it is all that I really know but in general it is like this- if a tenant doesn't pay you can have them evicted in 6-8 weeks. If they break their lease it is about the same. If they are professional tenants and really skilled at working the system it can turn into a nightmare- probably like most places. I NEVER go to rent court. There are companies that will do it all for you. As far as boots on the ground goes- you can say that about anywhere. You need people that you can trust. Sometimes that can be the hardest part of the business.