All Forum Posts by: Joel O.

usually you could just ask a realtor in the specific area if they could do a CMA. if they cant wont or dont just use online MLS websites and do the numbers yourself, thats what i did

Thank you, my time in Birmingham during both times was meant to get a better feel of the city. First visit i personally felt a if i missed something. Second visit was much more comprehensive but like i said before i was expecting to see much more life.

 To elaborate, what I’m asking/saying is that during my trips to BHAM I noticed that the city seems very quiet. Granted I went on weekends both times, the roads seem empty and not slit of people around. 

I went downtown at night near the UAB area to see if there was a night life and it’s very lack luster.  Nobody is on the street walking around embracing the city on a weekend. 

I did see construction such as the cross Plex and the interstate. And I know of the plans the mayor has for the city, but as stated previously I do not see where the locals hang out or are in the street. 

what...

Took another trip to BHAM, and boy is it quiet. Is it just me or is BHAM extremely quiet?

The realtor i was with said the city itself is very quiet. 

I went to fairfield and that area is more congested same with homewood, but the city of BHAM from UAB to north BHAM was just DEAD. 

Am i missing something?

Also the amount of abandoned buildings including that massive hospital is astounding.

How do you locals feel about this?

Where is everybody hiding ?

well you gotta figure out what’s your goal. You looking for cash flow? Appreciation? You planning on retiring early? Define the goal and everything else will fall into place. 

I was originally interested the the CLT metro area but because I’m priced out of it I’ve been looking outside just like many others. 

Remember to reverse engineer what you want to earn. Pick a niche (buy n hold, flip, forced appreciation) stick to it.

I’ll let others chime in to hopefully help you and give you a better direction or idea. I’m starting to ramble 

Charlotte is HOT. Honestly finding deals aren’t a problem here, but landing a deal is the main issue. Just as you said your losing out to all these cash buyers which drives up the price for the their MFUs that come on the market. I’m sure you noticed this! A duplex just came up today in Selwyn for $600k! 

I personally think that MFUs in Concord / Gastonia would be a good idea! Nearly anything in the CLT metro would work, but it also depends on your goal.

Flips in Gastonia and Concord wouldn’t be too bad. Are you talking about MFUs or SFUs for flipping?

@Jason Carter @Tal Simpson this is exactly why I prefer getting info from locals, and people on the ground than reading reports and blogs and generic research. I’m glad you all chimed in and have me an honest opinion on bham. I’m definitely planning on making a trip down and checking the area out! Already have a good idea of where I would like to visit specifically, but hearing your opinions makes it so much more worth while. 

Thanks @Jason Cory. That was extremely comprehensive and helpful. Will definitely keep all this information in mind. I plan on going down to Bham and checking out the area to get a good feel of it after what your telling me and what i have been researching so far. 

One last question though; Is Birmingham dying as a city? I have read that it is plauged with the brain drain. Unlike areas like huntsville. I just cant seem to find good info from actual locals. Im tired of reading articles!

Hey all,

Been looking for markets outside of my area to potentially invest in and came across Birmingham, AL. Ive been seeing alot of info regarding central point, but what about downtown Birmingham around zip codes 35208, 35204, and 35205. 

Are these areas run down, do you see any revitalization happening in the near future? Other investors currently in the area? This is all strictly for buy and hold investing with MFU.

Any good contractors / property managers that I could rely on down there?

Thanks for any insights on the area!