So, the actual increase to market rent will be much lower.

., Smyrna, Decatur, Marietta), new construction or turnkey rentals for lower maintenance, or small multifamily properties for stability.

And talking with my leasing team, the properties that are moving quicker are on the lower end of the rental range $1450-1600.

Property managers have established vendor relationships and can handle issues quickly.Cons of Hiring a Property Manager❌ Lower Profit Margins – Management fees (typically 8-12% of monthly rent) eat into your cash flow, which can be a dealbreaker if your margins are tight.❌ Less Control Over Tenants & Maintenance – You won’t be as involved in selecting tenants or overseeing repairs, which might lead to decisions you wouldn’t have made yourself.❌ Not All Property Managers Are Great – A bad property manager can neglect your property, overcharge for repairs, or poorly handle tenant relations, leading to unnecessary headaches.Which Option Is Right for You?

In lower-value areas like Sylmar, market values max out around $3.28 million, which results in a loss.The key takeaway?

They do not appreciate like actual real estate and your caliber of tenant can be lower which can bring with it its own problems. 

It will give you a lower interest rate on both properties because you bought them as owner occupants, and it will require less down payment to get into. 

Generally buying in nicer areas leads to better experiences and confidence in your investing, but lower cash flow when you move out.

It's OK to be more tenacious with negotiating down, and make the most out of a slowing market to buy at lower prices.

Find a private lender who would give you that debt for a lower amount.