What features to look for in a single family home rental?

[Andrew Rellinger]

Outside of the number analysis (cash flow, ROI, etc.) what things should I be looking for. How many beds/baths? Square footage? What things do you look for when touring a home to potentially invest in as a SFH rental? As I am just starting out and looking for my first property I want to know what I should be keeping my eyes peeled for. Thanks in advanced!

[David Chappell]

I think it depends on the market and the neighborhood. Some areas are full of family so 3/2+ combinations are more rentable, where in other locations it may be singles only needing a small 2bed. I'm in Birmingham AL and still pretty new to this, but I spoke to a hedge fund buyer and they have a criteria of 3 bed/1 bath/1000sq ft/newer than 1960 as their baseline criteria so that's what I stuck with. These are other things I look for also, these may eliminate cashflowing properties from my search..but I would rather have better locations that will rent easier

- No weird floor plans
- Single story homes
- carport is nice, garage even better
- driveway, not alley access
- level lot with good draining, no large trees close to house
- no busy streets (40+ mph), look for wider streets on google maps those indicate higher traffic streets, people like privacy and quiet
- no corner lots if backed up to a commercial area

Hope this helps!