What to Look For in an Investment Property: 5 Things to Consider

Investing in real estate can be a great way to build wealth, generate passive income, and secure financial stability. However, not all properties make good investments. Choosing the right rental property requires careful evaluation to ensure long-term profitability and minimize risk.

Whether you’re a first-time investor or looking to expand your portfolio, knowing what to look for can help you make a wise decision. Several key factors determine whether a property will be a worthwhile investment, from location and rental demand to property condition and appreciation potential.

In this guide, we’ll break down the 5 most important things to look for when buying an investment property—so you can make a confident, informed choice.

How to Find a Good Investment Property: 5 Things To Look For

1. Is in a high-demand location

You’ve probably heard it before—“location, location, location.” There’s a reason this phrase is so often repeated in real estate. The location of your rental property can make or break your chances of success as a landlord. It determines how much you’ll charge for rent, the quality of your tenants, and the vacancy rate you’ll experience. If you purchase a property in an area no one wants to live in, it’s likely you won’t have much success in generating wealth. However, the right location can help you win the jackpot as a real estate investor.

Here are a few things to consider when deciding on where to buy your property:

Neighborhood Safety: Research crime trends in the area before purchasing a property. If you want to attract families or even single people, they’ll most likely want to live in a safe community where they don’t have to worry about things happening. You can even contact local law enforcement to learn about regional vandalism and any crimes in the area. Ask around to hear how safe people feel living in the area, ensuring your tenants will have a positive experience.
Local Amenities: To find long-term renters, you’ll want to ensure the area your property is in has several amenities to offer. Solid school systems, a growing job market, access to public transportation, parks, shopping centers, medical centers, libraries, and restaurants are a few things that will put your rental in high demand. Do a quick Google search to explore the entertainment options in the area and see how people rate the neighborhood or city you’re considering.
Average Rent in the Area: Researching how much other rentals are priced in the area can help you determine if they could cover your mortgage payments, taxes, and other expenses. Look at Zillow, Rent.com, and Apartments.com to compare rental prices for similar properties. Additionally, it’s essential to research rental price trends to see whether they are increasing or decreasing, helping you make informed decisions and prepare for future market changes.
Number of Listings & Vacancies: Research how rentals are performing in the area you’re considering—is there a high number of listings? If so, it may signal that the neighborhood is in decline, leading to low demand for the region. High vacancy rates could force you to lower your rent prices to attract tenants, so ensure the area you’re looking at is in high demand with low vacancy rates.

2. Has enticing accommodations

When touring your potential investment property, look for accommodations in high demand. Features like a spacious master bathroom, walk-in closets, ample storage, an open kitchen, a fireplace, or a backyard pool can make your property more attractive and justify a higher rental price.

Furthermore, consider who you want to rent to. If you’re renting to a family, look for a property with multiple bathrooms and a spacious backyard for kids to enjoy. If you’re considering a property near a college campus, an open layout can appeal to university students who like to host gatherings. Understanding the area will help you anticipate the types of tenants you’ll attract, ensuring the space’s accommodations align with their preferences.

3. Isn’t a fixer-up

Buying a rental property already comes with a list of responsibilities—don’t add countless repairs to that list. While it may sound like a fun project to purchase a fixer-upper and turn it around to rent out, it’s a lot of work and cost upfront that’s not always worth it. A good investment property is one that’s been well-maintained and won’t lead to further repair costs down the road. It’s also a lot more enticing to tenants and even buyers you may sell to.

When purchasing a rental property, aim for a long-term, stable investment rather than a fixer-upper that requires significant upfront costs and future expenses. Consider the age of the property and how well it’s holding up. Ask about the structural integrity and current status of the home’s roofing, plumbing, and electrical systems. Be thorough when inspecting potential investment properties, ensuring all the boxes are checked, and no surprises happen.

4. Is low-maintenance and practical

The key to finding a good investment property that will bring in steady cash flow is purchasing one that’s easy to maintain and practical. Looking for low-risk opportunities is essential in real estate, meaning you want to find a property that will generate long-term wealth. We advise sticking to properties that are “normal” and not impractical. For example, a 3-bedroom, 2-bath home with a traditional layout in a solid location can bring a steady income stream. On the other hand, a charming but remote cabin that’s an hour’s drive from the nearest town probably won’t be bringing in the big bucks anytime soon. Choose a property that consistently brings in tenants and won’t cause you a headache in the long run, even if it’s unique and tempting to purchase.

As you analyze properties, assess what type of maintenance is required on a regular basis and if you are up for the task. For example, if the property has a pool, are you willing to pay for its upkeep and trust the tenant to care for it properly? If an investment property has a beautiful garden, remember that you’ll need to keep it in top shape to attract tenants and make them stay long-term. We recommend starting with low-maintenance, simple rental properties before moving on to ones with unique features or requiring more upkeep. Buying your first rental property is especially important as you want a property that will be low maintenance but provide high profit. Consider purchasing an apartment or condo, as these properties typically require less maintenance from landlords since property management companies handle most of the upkeep.

5. Has the potential to appreciate

While rental income is a key factor in a good investment property, long-term appreciation can significantly boost your overall returns. Appreciation refers to the increase in a property’s value over time, allowing you to sell it for a higher price in the future.

To identify properties with strong appreciation potential, consider the following factors:

Location Trends: Look for areas experiencing population growth, new business developments, and infrastructure improvements. Cities with expanding job markets, good schools, and desirable amenities tend to see higher property value increases.
Historical Data: Research how property values have changed in the area over the past decade. While past performance doesn’t guarantee future growth, it can provide insight into market stability.
Upcoming Developments: Check for planned projects such as new highways, public transportation, shopping centers, or entertainment districts. These improvements can make the area more desirable and drive up property values.
Supply and Demand: A high demand for housing combined with limited supply often leads to appreciation. Prices will likely rise if rental demand is strong and home inventory is low.
Neighborhood Improvements: Areas undergoing revitalization, such as new parks, trendy restaurants, or safety initiatives, often boost home values over time.

Investing in a property with appreciation potential ensures you’re earning passive income and building long-term wealth. By selecting the right location and monitoring market trends, you can maximize your investment’s value over time.

TrueDoor Will Help You Generate Wealth With Your Investment Property

Once you’ve found a good investment property, you must ensure it’s maintained and consistently filled with reliable tenants to build wealth. However, it’s challenging to manage a rental property on your own. From screening tenants to creating a lease or pricing your rental, there’s a lot you’re required to do as a landlord. Let TrueDoor Property Management lighten your load and make rental ownership a seamless experience.

Our Southern California team provides comprehensive property management services to help landlords succeed. Our property management services in Orange County cover cities like Huntington Beach and Irvine. Furthermore, our Inland Empire property management team serves cities, including Redlands, San Bernardino, and more. We’re eager to handle your property and help you earn passive income. Contact us today to learn how we can help you become a profitable landlord in Southern California!