Owen Dashner is correct that the weather can be a lot harsher there, though, and that can create some challenges. 

If you use an external manager from the area, they can be a great resource for determining reasonable rent (before you buy).3) Rainy day money.

Once again, inventory seems plentiful, great COC returns seem possible, but the external constraints of the city and the environment are worrisome.

Just talking about an external refinance with your existing lender may persuade them to modify your existing note / providing a second for the roof, as long as there is not an egregious early payoff amount and they call the bluff : )All the best Justin, and I look forwards to hearing of the project. 

The area has been a leader across Alabama in job creation and capital investment for as long as many can remember.Nonetheless, the past decade has witnessed the area’s economic engine thrust into overdrive with the addition of thousands of jobs, billions of dollars in investment and a vastly improved unemployment rate.The growth has been widespread both internally, with established companies expanding their existing operations, and external, with the recruitment of new companies.

There are plenty of examples where sellers are selling because of external influences.

I normally speak with the tenants over the phone several months in advance to let them know that there may be a rent increase do to external factors, taxes or insurance increasing.

Too many stories are told of individuals giving up after a month of trying only to end up blaming external circumstances.

like Account Closed stated, you have to be cautious that you dont have a situation where people are hanging out in front of your house. that was my biggest obstacle when i started out. the solution was external cameras, screen hard and try to get residents that work full time. i do not do section 8 anymore because the rental market is pretty good. 

Regardless, history doesn't guarantee future because of many external variables.3.