Huntersville rental real estate can be lucrative investments. However, it also comes with challenges. If you are thinking about investing in your first single-family rental property, there are a few things you must know before getting started. If you learn as much as you can in advance, the process of buying your first investment property can be a positive one.
Learn the Trade
It is important to learn as much as you can about rental property investing from those who are already doing it before you even start looking for your first investment property. Familiarize yourself not only with the procedures in buying and owning rental properties but all the details about it as well as the best practices of successful investors.
You can also start by reading some of the top books for people new to real estate investing. It is also good to join business leaders in area meetings, as well as get to know a local landlord or two. Reading about landlord/tenant laws is also a good start. One way to ensure success in your first investment is to learn as much as you can about the various aspects of buying and owning rental real estate.
Prepare Your Finances
As you learn the trade, you should also prepare yourself financially before buying a rental property. If your plan is to finance your investment with a mortgage, you should get your finances in good shape. Optimize your credit score, pay down debt, and have at least a 20% down payment plus closing costs saved up before your first purchase.
Because bidding on investment properties can easily become competitive, it is best to first choose a lender and get pre-qualified before you make any offers. This will increase your chances of getting the best deal on your first rental property.
Crunch the Numbers
When you start searching for your first investment property, there are some important calculations you will need to use to assess each one. It is important not to let emotion impact your choice of property since buying an investment property is very different from buying a personal residence or vacation home. You should, instead, evaluate potential properties based on your expected return on investment (ROI), profit margin, and operating expenses.
Ensure that you account for all expenses, including taxes, landlord insurance, repairs, and improvements. You will also want to determine the expected rental rate and local demand for each potential property by doing a thorough rental market analysis.
Choose a Strategy
Finally, you should take note of the different investment strategies for owning rental properties. Since this will be your first investment, it is a good idea to choose an investing niche that is beginner-friendly while you are still learning about these strategies. For example, unless you are a contractor or handyman, it’s best to avoid fixer-upper properties for your first investment.
It is also a good idea to choose a lower-cost home for your first time through the process. A lower-cost rental home allows you to experience the full investment process while avoiding a high overall risk of your investment. This is why it is a good starting point for new investors.
There is a lot to learn before, during, and after buying your first investment property, and getting started in rental real estate investing can be both exciting and overwhelming. Because of this, getting the help of an expert Huntersville property manager is a great idea. At Real Property Management Charlotte Metro, we work with rental property investors to find and assess prospective rental properties. Contact us today at 704-919-1344 to learn more.
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