Finding the right property in the right area in Houston

[Danielle Scott]

First of all, I want to thank all the locals who've helped and reached out to me. I've been posting a lot lately trying to figure out how to buy my first property and not get burned. The plan is to buy and hold while living in it and potentially renting out the spare room to traveling medical professionals intermittently. I've done this before and it's worked out great.

Houston's inner loop and close to inner loop market is really hot right now with the rates being so low. I haven't been here that long so don't know the area well enough to say this area will appreciate and this one won't. I'm looking in northside, eado, third and fifth ward. Seeing a lot of things pop up in 5th ward but from what I've researched there are no plans to bring any bars/restaurants/grocery stores/other things that would turn over the area. I drove by a few new constructions yesterday and would not feel comfortable walking my dog in this area alone or at night, which leads me to believe other young people like myself would likley feel the same way.

Second part of this is when do you know if a property is worth the flip? I understand the numbers part of it but are there some issues you won't touch? For example if the house has termite damage, foundation issues, or mold would be a no go but new plumbing and updates would be OK?  What do you look at if the numbers or right to determine if a property is worth it for you to flip?