Single Family or Condo rental property in Tampa?

[Sophie Mia]

Hi everyone,

I am moving to Tampa in 2 months and am looking to buy several rental properties there. The idea is to buy a property, live there for one year and then buy the next one - rinse & repeat. I should have enough money for a down payment every year or so, as long as the property does not cost significantly more than $150-$180k.

So the question is - which areas would you recommend? Right now I am targeting the areas around Seminole Heights for single family properties or the area east of USF & Temple Terrace for condos. I know that condos have a huge HOA fee but tend to be significantly cheaper than single family homes - so it may still be worthwhile?

I am mainly looking for solid cash flow in an “okay” area (I have good experience with up and coming areas that are sort of sketchy, but not the worst). Some appreciation would be nice too of course.

I would appreciate any wisdom from local Tampa investors!