New, Out-of-State Investor Interested in Atlanta Real Estate

[Akku Kumar]

Hello!

My name is Akku. I am currently a student at Texas A&M University and I am very new to real estate investing. I want to buy my first property in the Atlanta metro as I plan on moving there for a PhD next year and am specifically looking at multifamily homes but I am having trouble finding good deals. I would appreciate any help with getting started!

Best,

Akku

[Michael Dumler]

@Akku Kumar, I recommend establishing your budget first. Once a budget is established, it's easier to rule out specific markets and focus on others. Otherwise, my response may be entirely different. 

Moreover, I'd be mindful of using and defining the word overpriced. For instance, several buyers/investors thought real estate here was overpriced in 2020/2021, yet property values have continued to appreciate. Needless to say, those respective "investors" missed out. 

To reiterate my point, we can remove real estate from the equation and use a business instead. Take Microsoft, for example. On a similar note, many investors considered Microsoft overpriced in 2021, yet we now see that the company is valued at all-time highs. 

Real estate is a long-term wealth vehicle, and overall, I would be cautious about how you define overpriced. As you noted, safe and growing areas should be the primary focus for your potential acquisition.