All Forum Posts by: Lindsay Lekkalapudi

I would tend to agree with most people here, the crime is pocketed. I invest in Chattanooga and know which areas are more likely to see the crime. You don't have to avoid those areas but rather, do you research before you buy. I've even heard of a property cash flowing so well that the investor set up a 10% fund for the property if it gets broken into/broken windows. The heartless side of investing means that you can put a monetary amount on any risk. You might need better insurance, a property management team, or a contingency plan, but there is a dollar amount that can be associated with it. If that works, then I say invest where you the numbers work! And on the flip side, it's nice to keep a well maintained property in a struggling neighborhood and give people an affordable, clean, welcoming place to live. It has the ability to be a win/win! 

Hey John! 

I would echo what Junior said above. All of those areas have something going for them - it just depends on what you're looking for. I know people have had luck in the Ooltewah area with renting to "company" men who are looking for part time housing and there is an Amazon plant there so there is a good about of hourly worker looking for places to stay close by. In East Brainerd you will find the sprawling suburbs. There are malls, chain restaurants, and many businesses and also a labor and delivery hospital. It seems Redbank is gaining popularity with young couples. It close to downtown and offers a neighborhood feeling whole being close to the city. Hixson is not an area I know much about but I've heard of people having great success with flips in that market. It does have a mall and lots of churches/activity. The general business district saw a decline in the recent decades but is now getting revitalized as of late as I know some new restaurants coming in! 

There are a ton of other places to explore too - most notably the Ridgedale Market. It's a small neighborhood just outside of the city. It's projected as the next big boom in terms of "not quite city" single family and duplexes. It's certainly less developed than the areas mentioned above but its worth mentioning if that's something you're interested in. 

I've lived in this area my whole life and just started to get into the investment realm. I would love to be your boots on the ground - referring agents, going to open houses, or doing drive by's to get a feel for the house. Any time I can learn more by doing, and help another investor I am all in! Shoot me a private message when you're not busy and we can continue to talk neghborhoods! 

Best, 

Lindsay

Good evening! 

I am a new comer to the real estate world as well, though I’ve lived in and around the Chattanooga area my whole life. I’d be happy to discuss different neighborhoods and advantages/disadvantages. Just shoot me a direct message when you’re interested! Chattanooga has a lot to offer, especially for a single family flip! 

Best, 

Lindsay 

Hey Andrew, 

I can’t speak to the other markets but I live and invest in and around Chattanooga, TN. You’re not talking specifics In the post above but one thing I would point out with Chattanooga is that many homes inside the city limits are beginning to sell at or above listed price within 1-14 days. Several of the homes we have bid on in the last 30 days have had all cash offers in 12 hours or less. This is likely the case with many markets right now, given the strange economic circumstances we all find ourselves in, but I find this detail is worth mentioning because when you’re running your numbers I would be sure to start at or above list price. Hope this helps a little and if you do choose Chattanooga I would love to be a part of your boots on the ground team. I know the area well as I’ve grown up here and it’s an exciting place to invest! 

Best, 

Lindsay