Deciding between a few areas in Atlanta for our first rental

[Rebecca Cardona]

My husband and I have a max budget of $50k liquid cash to invest, and we are planning to purchase a buy-and-hold investment property in Atlanta in the $100k-$200k range. We’re looking at properties in Smyrna/Marietta, Stone Mountain/East Decatur like Gresham Park area, or Pittsburgh/East Point.

We know cash flow is king, but can’t help but be tempted by Pittsburgh or East Point for the potential appreciation, but CoCs seem lower with rental rates still low in those areas and home prices on the rise.

The East side seems like CoC opportunity may be better with rental comps right around the 1% of home value number, but not sure what the demand is like over there or what the appreciation opportunity will be.

Smyrna/Marietta is attractive because of the schools, but again not sure what the appreciation opportunity will be given they are a bit more mature markets. Either way, planning to hold for 10-20 years, maybe longer.

Any suggestions for us from you seasoned vets would be greatly appreciated!!

[Mitch Messer]

Hi @Rebecca Cardona and welcome to BiggerPockets!

Congratulations on taking positive steps toward the Big Plunge!

The only way to know if you're headed in the right direction is to check your compass, which is your financial goal. As a long-term buy-and-hold investor, that's going to be some combination of cash flow and CoC return.

So, don't be distracted: Chasing appreciation will only break your heart, and occasionally (as in 2007), your entire portfolio!

Say it with me: "You can't eat appreciation!"