All Forum Posts by: Tim Bell

Stephanie, I suggest that since you are out of state and intent on investing in Charlotte that you do two things right away.

1) Contact one or more of the local real estate investment associations in that area. Join their association and then talk to the president or one of the other officers of the club and ask them for a referral to a good investor-friendly real estate agent in the area who specializes in what you are looking for. I guarantee they will be able to recommend a good person for you. There will obviously be other benefits for joining, and the membership fee will be negligible.

2) That said, the best resource if you are intent on owning rental properties is the local apartment owners association. In your specific case, it would be the Greater Charlotte Apartment Association (https://www.greatercaa.org/) My clients and I have found that paying the small annual membership fee is an incredible bargain compared to the benefits you receive from membership. From forms to legal services to property management referrals and a lot more, they can be a tremendous resource, especially if you are out of state. And, certainly, they can refer you to a great investor friendly agent, too.

James, I agree with Roberto, off market properties are going to be much easier to work with. Here are some Propstream filters that a lot of my investor clients have found helpful: 

Vacant

Non-Owner Occupied

High Equity

Off Market

# Years of Ownership, Minimum 5 Years

Maximum Value = Median House Price for Entire Market

Ownership Type = Individual & Trust

Single Family homes

Year Built Before 2000

Minimum 3 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom

These can be great opportunities. Just use Propstream's skip trace function and contact these owners simply asking if they would like to sell their property.