They are usually looking at C or D properties that local agents tell them will “cash flow“ They usually don’t cash flow because of high maintenance and vacancy.

While these criteria work well for Class A and B properties, they might not be suitable for Class C.

Often, it will also need work.So, that is causing investors to lower their standards and buy Class C & D rentals.Problem is, most investors apply Class A assumptions to these Class C/D properties - and then blame everyone else when they don't get their "expected" results.Check out copy & paste info below for more dtails:------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Recommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.Property Class will typically dictate the Class of tenant you get, which greatly IMPACTS rental income stability and property maintenance/damage by tenants.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.If you buy/renovate a property in Class D area to Class A standards, what quality of tenant will you get?

But again, Chicago is a town where if you are one block over from the good area, you can go from an A to a C crossing the street.

We are class C and don't think we are competing with the newer construction apartments, so I think we should be OK.

@Derrick Roland II Let's see, traffic noise, challenges backing out of your driveway, have to keep kids in backyard and off front sidewalks, big trucks passing by will shake the whole place, can't think of anything positive.All the negatives will reduce your max rent and make it harder/longer to find tenants.What's more important is understanding if the Neighborhood is Class C or D.

Great points, ZharaBirmingham has relatively steady and diverse rental demand, and I’ve seen many investors I work with have success with C/B class buy-and-holds.Location is key—areas near UAB, major employers, and popular suburbs tend to have the strongest rental demand, while C/D class markets offer solid affordable housing and Section 8 opportunities.

@Chase AlexanderRecommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.Property Class will typically dictate the Class of tenant you get, which greatly IMPACTS rental income stability and property maintenance/damage by tenants.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.If you buy/renovate a property in Class D area to Class A standards, what quality of tenant will you get?

I'm Diane :) By day I'm an executive assistant to c-suite execs, by night I run my own virtual assistance business, and 24/7 I think about investing in multifamily homes.

Personally, I invest in properties in C-Class neighborhoods in my market (East Linden and Southern Hilltop), and they’ve been cash-flowing well so far.