New OOS Investor - Interested in AL

[Michael Lin]

Hi all - 

New to BiggerPockets so wanted to introduce myself to the community here.  I’m a new out of state investor, located in Oakland CA, and am interested in investing in Alabama buy and holds due to the favorable landlord laws and low state property taxes.

I’m currently in escrow with my first investment in Birmingham, 35235 area (Grayson Valley), and am looking to add at least one more to my portfolio this year (considering again in Birmingham or also looking at Huntsville due to the recent job growth).

Looking to meet and network with any local professionals to bounce ideas off of!  

Also, looking for great books to read on the topic of real estate investing, particularly in the areas of deal finding and raising capital, would love recommendations.  

Thanks and looking forward to meeting you all.

Cheers,

Mike

[Mark K.]

@Michael Lin.  My two houses are in the Eastlake area.  I like both houses.  I not a fan of either tenants though.  One is late almost every month, but she does pay the late fee.  The other one lied on her application,  but is still there and some outside group is falling for her scam and paying her rent.

I was planning to get many more houses there.  Due to my tenants, I've now gotten 7 houses in Indiana.  If I can ever get good tenants where my faith is restored that Birmingham has good tenants, I may get more houses there.  Until that time, I'll continue to get them elsewhere. 

My tenants in my houses in Indiana all pay on time and have been great so far.  Maybe I just have had bad luck with my two houses, but until I get good tenants, I just don't know.  I have instructed Rav that i want the one tenant gone for sure when her 12 month lease is up.  

I will try to let you know this summer once that tenant is gone if we were able to get a good tenant in place.