All Forum Posts by: Malorie Moore

Hi Jasmyne! Welcome to the investing world.It's awesome that you're already diving into research and getting clear on your goals. As someone who works with new and experienced investors every day, I totally get how overwhelming that first step can feel.

If you're considering flipping or holding a single-family rental, one of the most important things to think about is how you’ll manage your risk and time—especially on your first project. You mentioned contractors aren’t a problem (which is a great head start!), but deals can still go sideways fast without a solid system in place.

That is where turnkey companies can be a game-changer.  You don’t have to hunt for deals, juggle contractors, or worry about the leasing process. 

Whatever you choose, you are going to do GREAT! Good luck with everything. Happy to chat if you have any questions.  

Mike,

I defiantly agree with the others that have responded. It will 100% make your life easier, but the hard part is finding one you can trust! I know you know, but just make sure to interview and ask HARD questions. Ask to see their track record. Wish I could help, but I  dont know anyone in NJ.

Best of luck to you!!

Hi Yury!

Welcome! I will start out by saying I work with alot of CA residents on buying out of state due to the entry point in CA. It's no surprise it's super expensive. 

I’ll do my best to share some guidance based on what’s worked well for me and many others in the space:

1. Best Markets for Your Budget:
That depends a bit on your total budget and goals, but some strong, investor-friendly markets to consider are places like Memphis, Little Rock, and Oklahoma City. These areas often offer solid cash flow, lower price points, and stable renter demand—especially for long-term rentals.

2. Challenges for Out-of-State Investors:
The biggest risk is your team. If you don’t have the right people managing your property, even a great deal can go sideways. Communication, reliability, and alignment with your goals are key. Vet your property manager thoroughly and stay actively involved, even from afar.

3. LLC Structure:
You can own multiple properties under one LLC, especially when you're starting out. Down the road, as your portfolio grows, you might consider multiple LLCs or a series LLC. It's best to speak with a CPA or real estate attorney to align with your goals and risk tolerance.

4. Finding a Solid Team Out-of-State:
Start by networking on platforms like BiggerPockets and attending local real estate investor meetups (virtually or in person if you can visit). Look for property managers and agents who work with other investors and can provide referrals from clients. Turnkey providers like REI Nation also handle this for you, which can be great if you're looking for a more passive route.

5. Research Tools:
You’re already using great ones. In addition to Rentometer, Zillow, and Redfin, check out Roofstock, NeighborhoodScout, and the local city data (crime rates, school ratings, job growth, etc.). You can also track trends using census data and local economic development reports.

6. First Property Type Recommendation:
Single-family homes are often the easiest starting point—they’re simpler to finance, manage, and exit. I’d go with what feels manageable to you for your first deal and aligns with your risk tolerance.

Let me know if you'd like to chat more or if you're ever interested in learning about fully managed, turnkey options.

Wishing you the best on your journey!

Welcome, Daniel!

You’re definitely in the right place. If you ever become interested in fully turnkey single-family homes, feel free to reach out—I’d be happy to help.

Best of luck to you on your real estate journey!

Hey George, welcome to BiggerPockets!

Love your mindset—being ready to learn and do whatever it takes is half the battle already won. Everyone starts somewhere, and it’s great that you’re jumping in with the right attitude.

If you’re looking to connect or want to learn more about how others have gotten started, feel free to reach out! I’m always happy to share insights, especially around turnkey investing or building long-term strategies that create stability for your family.

Good Luck!

Hi Celine,

Managing renovations, maintenance, and residents from a distance can definitely be challenging. I’d highly recommend considering a property management company to take that stress off your plate. Having a solid team in place can make all the difference in keeping things running smoothly while protecting your investment.

LLC's are never a bad idea! It adds that extra level of protection, so I say go for it!

Best of Luck!

Sung,

That is amazing, congrats! I'm from Alabama and Hoover is a great location.

Congrats on your upcoming closing! House hacking is a great way to get started, and it’s exciting that you’re already thinking ahead to your next move.

When choosing an out-of-state market, visiting in person can be helpful, but having a strong local team will matter even more in the long run. As you research, consider factors like job growth, population trends, landlord-friendly laws, and rental demand to find a market that aligns with your goals.

Since you both have full-time jobs and can’t be hands-on with renovations, a turnkey property might be a smart option to start generating cash flow without the stress of managing a rehab from a distance.

 If you’re planning to put $10K into renovations on your current home, it might be worth waiting a few months to build up more reserves. That being said, I don’t know your full financial picture, so it really comes down to what makes the most sense for you.

I’ve been in this space for a while, so if you ever want to chat, I’m happy to help. Wishing you the best of luck with everything!

Hi Sas,

It sounds like things are going well with your FL home—great to hear! As others have mentioned, I’d recommend looking into landlord-friendly markets first and seeing which one aligns best with your investment goals.

From my experience in this space every day, the 1% rule isn’t as common in many markets, though it can still be found. However, properties meeting that metric are typically in lower-class areas, which can come with higher risks due to the location and the type of residents occupying the home. Many of these properties also fall within Section 8 housing.

That said, you’re in the right place! There are plenty of investors here with great experiences, and I’m always available to chat if you’d like to discuss further.

Best of luck, and feel free to reach out anytime!

If you are ever interested in Southaven or HornLake let me know! Jackson is a great area to be in as well. Best of luck to you and your investing journey!