Looking into Macon GA

[Eric Blackwell]

I am a new investor in the Atlanta area looking to implement a BRRR strategy in Macon. I am currently looking for my core 4 in the area and interested in hearing thoughts, investment experience and recommendation concerning the Macon area.

I welcome all thoughts, 

Eric

[Enrique Huerta]

I like the Macon and Warner Robins areas. They seem to be slowly but surely growing and offer stable employment. With that said, it’s certainly a workforce housing market and certain areas have high crime. If you can pick up properties with a good basis and decent cap rate (don’t fall prey to low cap rates in this area), it’s worth a buy.

If you have specific questions, I am happy to elaborate. 

[Andrew Postell]

@Eric Blackwell this might go back to "invest in what you know".  So I only invest in 2 areas of the country - even though other areas might be more "profitable" - because that's where my networks are.  One area is where I live, which is a very affordable and good rental market with a great network.  The other area is out of state.  In the out of state area, I already have an established network of people that I trust.  When investing from a distance you may never see your property.  You MUST have a trustworthy group of people in that scenario.  So go with the area that you know.  That's usually the best method.  Try posting in the Georgia state forum on Bigger Pockets.  They recently changed their forums a little but I think you can still find the state forums somewhere...maybe.

[Eric Blackwell]

Quote from @Andrew Postell:

@Eric Blackwell this might go back to "invest in what you know".  So I only invest in 2 areas of the country - even though other areas might be more "profitable" - because that's where my networks are.  One area is where I live, which is a very affordable and good rental market with a great network.  The other area is out of state.  In the out of state area, I already have an established network of people that I trust.  When investing from a distance you may never see your property.  You MUST have a trustworthy group of people in that scenario.  So go with the area that you know.  That's usually the best method.  Try posting in the Georgia state forum on Bigger Pockets.  They recently changed their forums a little but I think you can still find the state forums somewhere...maybe.

Thanks for this. I agree, however the Atlanta market has seen home values explode in the last 24 months. It makes starting out in my market very tough. I am focused on growing my network in markets that are more affordable. Thank you for taking the time to respond. It is great to hear from people with more experience. 

[Philip Joseph]

You need to get boots on the ground.  Drive around Macon, get out your car and talk to people.  If you do this and feel safe then that is a part of town you should consider investing in.  There's lots of people doing well in Macon, but there others who purchased low, fixed up and now can't get tenants to pay for more than 2 months.  It can be tough if you buy in the wrong area, especially trying to invest from afar.  

Cajun

[Tasheena Cole]

@Eric Blackwell was thinking the same thing, but am hesitating as my initial research doesn't show a ton of growth and seems it may be difficult to get stable tenants year after year. It's still on the list though, and would love to know if you decide to purchase there, what you find. I'll be starting to scout on the ground in a few weeks, to narrow down areas to buy.

[Trent B Paul]

@Eric Blackwell

If you’re looking into rental property investing in Macon, I would do my research in the part sorrounding downtown area as well as Mercer University, as that will provide you the most demand for rental housing.

I would avoid any kind of speculation and stick strictly to the cashflow opportunities available through multi-families. 

The best advice I can give would be to drive down and do your own due diligence, check out the area, research market rents and connect with a reputable team that can provide you the tools, coverage and background knowledge needed to succeed

- Happy investing

[Eric Blackwell]

Quote from @Tasheena Cole:

@Eric Blackwell was thinking the same thing, but am hesitating as my initial research doesn't show a ton of growth and seems it may be difficult to get stable tenants year after year. It's still on the list though, and would love to know if you decide to purchase there, what you find. I'll be starting to scout on the ground in a few weeks, to narrow down areas to buy.

I see interesting properties in Macon from time to time and continue to look there but have not started to assemble a team there. From what I've heard, you really have to know the area, so I am still searching for a team that I can trust before making a move. Have you started to invest there?