Analyzing rental occupancy rate/demand

[Maanav Jariwala]

Hello, 

I am currently learning BRRRR. I am just studying properties as a way to understand numbers/math. I am curious on how to determine if a property will have demand in rent/is a good location for the demand of potential tenants. I am currently looking in Fayetteville, NC.

[Ben Firstenberg]

@Josh Milewski is pretty much spot on. His point about local PMs is good too. This may also help you find the PM you'll use for your investment, which is a great thing to do ahead of time. If you've found someone you like, they can help guide you to neighborhoods with good rental demand. 

Demand is all about how desirable of a place it is to live. Check things like the quality of nearby schools, local crime maps, quality of local retail, and quality of local jobs. If you can, walk/drive around the neighborhood and get a feel for it. Would you want to live there? 

Also check out Zillow for rent comps to see what the market is like. 

One thing I've learned: the question is not IF it'll rent, it's What will it rent for? Unless you're in a super owner-occupant dominant neighborhood, there will be SOME rent demand, it's just a matter of what people will pay.