Hi,
I've been investing in Charlotte for since 98' and after many trials and strategies in different areas, I have focused my buy and hold strategy to homes within 5 miles of uptown charlotte and under $100K. These homes will give you the cashflow that you are looking for and if they go vacant, it's $400-600/mo vs $1300/mo if you need to carry a mortgage payment. I've been switching the majority of my holdings to this model. The other benefit is that with the city planning rejuvenation of a lot of these lower end neighborhoods, you may also benefit over 5-10 years of tripling your property value. I've experienced this. Also, you will find that you may have an opportunity down the road to tear down and rebuild to fit the neighborhood's new appeal and make even more money (or renovate). If you'd like to join our buyers list you can at http://www.BigBankDiscounts.com and checkout my investment brokerage site at http://www.BeeHomeSolutions.com. Take care and let me know if you want any investment advice.

I would try to find homes in better-than-average school districts. They will still be smaller homes, (stick with 3/2 minimum) but the demand for the home's location will be there, and you may find that you have a better-than-average tenant. Even with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg school district lines changing all the time, there are some areas of town that have always been consistently strong on their schools. Brick ranches are maintenance free, but so are a lot of the newer homes with vinyl siding. I would choose one with a fence vs no fence, as apartment dwellers with pets and small children will seek out the fenced lot. Also, make it ready to move into with a washer, dryer and refrigerator... If it were me, my focus would be looking over in SE and South Charlotte Realtor map 4,5,6 on the edge of Charlotte, as well as up in the University area through Huntersville...and let's not forget Matthews...the schools I would be paying attention to, would be the Elementary schools with scores over 90%. Jane

Dear Sunnycloudy,

There are many areas where you can buy excellent rentals in Charlotte. Many of them have been mentioned in other people's answers. If I was in your shoes, I would look at areas where you can collect rent for less than $900/m and still have good monthly cash flows and ROI just in case the market does not recover quickly. That way you can keep the houses occupied and be happy with the deals even if they do not appreciate in the next 3-5 years

Best regards,

Andres

Sunnycloudy,

I agree with Lexie that there are many great areas for buying homes in Charlotte that are under $200K. It is going to depend on what type of cash flow you are wanting as to where you want to be. You may also want to take into consideration the school systems when you look at the homes since better school will rent easier.

Best Wishes,
Erika

There are lots of areas. I prefer brick ranches for rentals because of the low maintenance, and there are a number of areas near uptown that have those homes, and are quick to rent. I would try and buy under $170,000, and under $150 is ideal. Some of the neighborhoods I like for brick ranches are, Starmount, Collins Park, Colonial Village, Sheffield Park, Eastway Park, Merry Oaks and Oakhurst. Other areas that the homes need a little more fixing... but may see more appreciation are Biddleville, Seversville, Belmont and Villa Heights. You can look at info on most of these areas on our neighborhood blog http://www.HipHoods.com,

Which areas in Charlotte,NC has good investment potential. I am looking for hold and rent. Looking in the below 200K range.

Hi Sunnycloudy,
Your question was cut short. What price range? Who will manage your property with you in Texas?
Cindy Sweeney http://www.CinSweeney.com