Every real estate investor knows that the best real estate investments are those that bring back the highest return. One way of making money in real estate is buying a rental property that is below market value (BMV) and then selling it for a higher price. This is, in fact, an investment strategy that many successful real estate investors follow.
In an ideal world, making money in real estate in this way is easy. The truth is, however, that this is not always the case. Finding an investment property for sale below market value is not an easy task and is trickier than just buying a rental property. The challenge lays in knowing how to start and where to find these rental properties. Keep reading for the best real estate investing tips and guidance on how to find investment properties for sale below market value.
Buying a Rental Property BMV – Look for Foreclosures
A foreclosed investment property is one whose owner failed to make the mortgage payments, and, therefore, the bank seizes the investment property and tries to sell it to cover the initial investment it made on the property. Typically, when a bank forecloses an investment property, its main goal would be to sell it as fast as possible. As a result, banks list these properties for a selling price lower than the original market price in order to attract potential buyers. Thus, if you’re a real estate investor thinking of buying a rental property below market value, finding foreclosed investment properties should be the first thing on your list!
Buying a Rental Property BMV – Find Short-Sale Investment Properties
When we say look for short-sale investment properties, we mean look for distressed property investors looking to sell their investment property. Don’t confuse short-sale with foreclosure! Short-sale is when sellers haven’t fully paid off their mortgages, but the bank still hasn’t seized their investment property. Thus, the real estate investor is looking to sell the property for a selling price less than the amount they owe on the outstanding mortgage. Therefore, these properties are below market value and are a great option for property investors thinking of buying a rental property.
Buying a Rental Property BMV – Look for Fixer-Uppers for Sale
Another type of investment property that property investors buying a rental property below market value should look for are fixer-uppers. A fixer-upper investment property requires repairs and renovations. As a result, these are on the market for a cheap price! Some consider these rental properties risky since the real estate investor will have to cover for costs of repairs and renovations. However, it’s easy to reduce this risk if a thorough real estate market analysis and an investment property analysis are conducted before buying a rental property to ensure that the after repair value and cost of needed renovations will still result in a good return on investment.
Buying a Rental Property BMV – Consider HUD Homes
HUD homes are often overlooked in real estate investing, but they’re a good option for buying a rental property for sale below market value! These investment properties are similar to foreclosures; however, the difference between them is that instead of being owned by a bank because the real estate investor fell behind on mortgage payments, HUD homes are owned by the Department of Housing and Urban Development because the property was financed with an FHA loan. The Department of Housing and Urban Development usually price these investment properties below market value!
Buying a Rental Property BMV – Buy Positive Cash Flowing Properties
Every real estate investor aims at buying a rental property that promises a good return on investment. That’s why when a real estate investor is looking for an investment property below market value, it’s important that he/she buys a positive cash flowing one! Positive cash flow is one of the keys to a successful real estate investing career for many reasons, most important is that positive cash flow generates a passive income and a higher return on investment. Thus, buying a rental property below market value that doesn’t generate a positive cash flow is not a smart investment decision.
The best thing to do to ensure you’re buying a rental property that will generate positive cash flow is conducting an investment property analysis. Mashvisor’s rental property calculator can do this for you! Just add the required data, and the rental property calculator will do the work and inform you whether or not you’re buying a positive cash flowing rental property for sale.
Click here to use the best rental property calculator to find and analyze rental properties.
Buying a Rental Property BMV – Go to Real Estate Auctions
Real estate auctions are a great place to find rental properties for sale at a cheap price. If you’re interested in buying a rental property through an auction, you’ll most likely find foreclosures – which, as we’ve established, are priced below market value.
Keep in mind, however, that real estate auctions require quick thinking. Property investors have to assess the value of an investment property on the spot. In addition, they need to stay up to date with the listings and the investment properties that are being auctioned. In general, if you’re thinking of buying a rental property below market value, you’ll have a high chance of finding one at a real estate auction.
Buying a Rental Property BMV – Work with a Real Estate Agent
It’s always best for a real estate investor to hire a real estate agent when selling or buying a rental property. This is especially true if a real estate investor is looking for cheap rental properties below market value. Real estate agents are professionals in the real estate investing market and they know where to find the best positive cash flowing investment properties for a cheap price. Not only that, but they can be a great source to find off-market investment properties.
Buying a Rental Property BMV – Contact Real Estate Wholesalers
Real estate wholesalers are also a great source to find rental properties for sale below the market value! A wholesaler’s job is to find distressed sellers and convince them to sell their investment properties for a lower price than the average market value, and then find someone who is interested in buying a rental property. As you can see, a wholesaler will basically do all the work for you! All you have to do is to make sure you have a real estate wholesaler in your network, and they’ll keep you in their contact as a potential buyer for when they find a cheap investment property for sale.
Buying a Rental Property BMV – Consider the Location
When buying a rental property of any type, the number one thing that property investors must keep in mind is the location of this investment property. Location, as you should know, is key to a successful real estate investing career! First, location determines demand, and as a real estate investor, you don’t want to invest in a location with low demand and end up not able to find tenants to rent your investment property. In addition, high demand means you’re capable of buying a rental property for cheap and selling it for a higher price when it increases in value.
Final Thoughts on Buying a Rental Property BMV
Buying a rental property below market value and selling it for a higher profit is achievable. In fact, you’ll find that many successful property investors follow this investment strategy! The key is knowing where to look and keeping an eye out on the housing market.
Mashvisor’s investment property calculator helps property investors search for and find rental properties for sale below market value within minutes! All that you have to do is select the state in which you’re thinking of buying a rental property. Mashvisor will then provide you with readily calculated projections for rental properties in that area (both city and neighborhood levels), which allows you to identify those below market value.
So, if you’re thinking of buying a rental property, click here to search for ones below market value! And don’t forget to sign up for Mashvisor to have the best investment property calculator within reach at all times.