Looking to connect with investors in Jacksonville and Oklahoma City

[Joon Kang]

Hey all, 

I am new on BiggerPockets and to real estate investing. I am currently living in Los Angeles, but wanting to get into investing where I have some connections in northern Florida and in Oklahoma City.

I wanted to see if I could pick anyone's brains who have had experience in either of these markets (investors, investor-minded realtors, lenders) —and more specifically:

1.) If long-term, turnkey 3/2s at ~$250k (about the max range we can afford) are a viable cashflow option (after running some numbers, it seems unlikely), or if rehabbing would be a better move, 

2.) Approximate appreciation of some of your properties

3.) How to go about finding off-market deals

I apologize in advance if this all sounds very novice of me! My motivation to invest recently went up due to my wife being pregnant with our second, and would love some pointers from some seasoned pros.

[Doug Spence]

@Joon Kang Welcome to BP! I also live in SoCal (San Diego) and realized pretty quickly I had to invest out of state to get the returns I wanted at price ranges I could afford. 

I settled on Oklahoma City as my market, and ended up doing my first BRRRR there on a duplex. Then I pivoted to Tulsa, which another fantastic market for my goals about 90 minutes northeast.

As for your questions, its going to be tough finding turnkey rentals that cash flow with these interest rates. 

The duplex I bought has appreciated a lot since I bought it - maybe 30-40% in three years. Rents have gone up a 200-300 per side as well in that period of time. 

I found that duplex through my OKC agent, who co-owns a property management company with her husband. They're awesome! They helped me with the project management for the rehab as well. She's not on the BP forums, but I'm happy to connect you if you want. 

Let me know if you have any out of state questions. I also own 3 properties in Milwaukee so I'm comfortable with the out of state stuff. 

Good luck!