Want to be an Out-of-State Investor? Get a first impression.

Hi!

Sometimes change can happen in these small pockets of time, and that's exactly what happened on our 2 week roadtrip around Florida and Georgia. 

Me and my fiance went to visit a select few cities we've had in mind in terms of investing, and got a clear first impression of where we would be comfortable investing. Are you considering being an out of state investor and still thinking about it? Go visit the state you're considering investing in! It will give you so much more confidence about your choice to invest from afar. Not only is it good to get a picture of what places you like (objectively in terms of cash flow), but also personally, if you're planning to spend a lot of time there. 

We visited several major cities and towns; Fort Lauderdale (with it's many neighborhoods), Jacksonville, Savannah and Orlando. Out of all of the above we landed on Jacksonville! Which was quite fortunate, because it's the one place we've talked about for a couple a years. It's got good growth in terms of jobs and population. And when we saw it a rather silly thing dawned on me, which is of course it is beautiful! Why would so many people be moving there, unless they really like it? 

Orlando is also a keeper in terms of a possible place to invest, but our choice for now is Jacksonville. With everything the city has to offer in terms of an urban wibe compared with Jacksonville Beach and St. Augustine near by, we were sold. Let us know if you know of any great property managers or real estate attorneys there, because next year we are finally buying. What it will be I will have to get back to you on. 

But yeah, other than that, go visit that place you're considering investing! It's totally worth the trip, and you can quickly get a feel for the place. But of course, always start with the numbers. Unless there is positive growth  in terms of population and job growth, just forget about it. Find a place that's thriving and then go see it. It's a true recipie for success.