All Forum Posts by: Taz Zettergren

@Cameron Porter 

I’d say it really depends on the situation. If the property was recently renovated and the resident was just placed at market rent, then it’s reasonable for the price to reflect that stability. In that case, you're getting a turnkey investment with immediate income, which can be appealing to a lot of investors.

However, if the resident has been there for years and the rent is below market, that’s a different story. In that case, I’d definitely ask for the rent ledger, maintenance history, and, of course, when the lease ends. If the lease is expiring soon, you have an opportunity to adjust to market rent. But if there’s a long-term lease in place at an under-market rate, that would impact the value and should be factored into the price.

It really comes down to whether the existing lease terms align with your investment goals.

@Tona Sanchez

Take your time and do plenty of research before making your first investment—choosing the right market and property is key. The cities you’re looking at have solid rental demand, but I’d also recommend considering markets like Little Rock or Memphis. These areas offer strong affordability, steady appreciation, and consistent demand from both renters and owner-occupants, which helps with long-term stability and resale potential.

One thing to consider is putting at least 25% down. With 20% down, not all of your money is actually going toward the down payment—you’re paying additional fees for the privilege of putting less money down, which impacts your overall return. A slightly larger down payment not only lowers your loan amount and monthly payment but also gets you access to better financing terms.

It’s great that you’re focused on securing a positive return, even if it starts small. That way, as rents grow over time, your investment only improves. Wishing you the best on your journey! 

@Melanja K Jones 

I appreciate you sharing your experience, and I’m sorry to hear how challenging it has been. A difficult resident situation can happen to anyone, but the structure of how an investment is managed plays a big role in how those situations are handled.

Many turnkey providers operate as a middleman, referring investors to third-party property managers without direct oversight. This can create a disconnect when issues arise since the company that sold the property isn’t responsible for its long-term success.

The alternative is working with a company that owns the entire process from acquisition and renovation to leasing and management. When everything is handled under one roof, there’s a higher level of accountability because the same company is responsible for every stage of the investment.

I hope this perspective helps others who are researching different turnkey models. Feel free to reach out if you'd like to explore that model further.

@Daniel Jodrey

It sounds like you’ve put a lot of thought into this, and you’re in a great position to take that first step. Given your goals, I’d say house hacking a multi-family is your best bang for your buck. It lets you live for free (or close to it) while building equity and learning the ropes of being a landlord firsthand and after you've been in it a year you could rent out your space and go back to living with your family member if you wanted too. That experience will be invaluable as you scale.

Once you’ve stabilized that, leveraging your hospitality background into an Airbnb or mid-term rental could be a great next move if that’s something you’re passionate about. STRs take more hands-on management, but they can be highly profitable when done right.

Down the road, if you’re looking for something more passive and stable, out of state investing especially in the Mid-South where price points and cash flow are more favorable, could be a great addition to your portfolio. But based on your post, I think a more hands-on approach would be a better fit for you to start.

Steve Helton is great we have also used Gary Comer at Superior Home Inspections

Yes, Southaven is a great market for long-term buy-and-hold rentals. It offers the benefits of being close to Memphis while having lower crime rates, better schools, and a more suburban feel. The rental demand remains strong, and investors typically see stable appreciation and occupancy rates. Are you looking at any specific properties or just exploring the area?

just messaged you. interested

@Ravi Pamarthi

You're in a great position to build long-term wealth, and I'd suggest focusing on single-family homes in suburban areas around the median home price. This is where demand is strongest, making it easier to find tenants and, if needed, sell without much hassle. Single-family homes tend to perform more consistently over time compared to multifamily or townhomes, without the added complexity of shared walls or HOA fees.

For out-of-state investing, look toward the middle/southern part of the country where home prices are more reasonable, property taxes are manageable, and landlord laws are favorable. These factors help ensure long-term stability and reduce unnecessary headaches. 

To get started, you’ll typically need 25-30% down, plus closing costs and reserves. With the average price of a solid rental home around $210,000, expect to have around 70k available. Some investors start with just one home to learn the process, while others aim to acquire multiple properties to scale up faster.

The most important piece is having the right team in place. A provider that handles everything—acquisition, renovation, leasing, and management—will make it feel like you’re investing right next door, even if you're miles away. Finding a team that truly prioritizes long-term value and tenant care is what separates a smooth investment from a stressful one.

Are you leaning toward a hands-on or hands-off approach? That can help narrow down the best strategy for you.

@Marty Shawn

You’ve clearly put a lot of thought into this, and you’re asking all the right questions! There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but a few things to consider:

House hacking can be a great strategy if it makes financial sense and aligns with your lifestyle. If your housing costs would double or triple compared to renting, it might not be the best move right now—especially with limited cash flow potential in Boise. But if you’re set on staying local, it’s worth keeping an eye out for the right deal rather than rushing into something.

Out-of-state investing is one of the best ways to find strong cash-flowing properties while keeping things passive. The key is working with the right company—one that owns the entire process, from acquisition and renovation to long-term management. When everything is handled under one roof, it eliminates a lot of the common headaches of remote investing and allows you to truly be hands-off while still building wealth. The markets you’re considering have strong fundamentals, and many investors successfully scale this way without having to be actively involved.

If managing a property doesn’t fit your schedule right now, keeping your capital liquid for the right opportunity isn’t a bad idea. You could also explore more passive routes.

At the end of the day, the best move is the one that fits your goals, financial situation, and risk tolerance. No need to force a deal just to get in the game—this market requires patience. What’s your top priority? Appreciation, cash flow, or just getting your first property under your belt?

Would love to hear what direction you’re leaning!

@Victoria C. I'd be happy to help, I actually have one coming available that matches the criteria. sending you a dm