5 Features of Profitable Rental Investment Properties

by Carolyn Kay 06/11/2023

Buying a rental property is an excellent way to invest in real estate. It can be very profitable as an individual or when working with a larger investment entity. However, some rental properties are definitely more profitable than others. If you're considering investing in a rental property, pay close attention to these key features:

Neighborhood

Profitable rentals are usually in high-demand neighborhoods, and specific areas can affect your vacancies and turnover. For example, if your property is in a college town, you may have plenty of potential tenants leaving more vacancies during the summer months compared to the rest of the year.

Schools

The overall quality and popularity of schools in the area can affect a rental's profitability. Properties near highly rated schools and in popular districts will bring in higher profits when it comes time to sell your property or rent it out.

Job Market

Rental properties in areas with high employment rates and rapid growth attract the most tenants. The proximity to large company offices, industry and other high-volume job generators will increase the property value and your eventual profits.

Amenities

Access to amenities and culture is crucial to the overall demand for a rental property. Parks, restaurants, grocery stores and entertainment all make for profitable neighborhoods. Also consider the proximity and availability of public transportation. Properties conveniently close to bus lines or subway stops are popular among renters of all kinds.

Rent

No matter how sought-after the neighborhood or property, a rental has to be affordable to generate income. The most profitable and least-vacant rental properties are strategic about their rent and other fees. Study the average costs of living and rent of similar properties in your area to determine what potential tenants expect to pay. This will also help you turn a profit when you sell the property down the road, as properties with historically low vacancy rates are attractive to investors.

If you're interested in making money investing in rental properties, these are all important factors to keep in mind. Consider what the most successful properties have in common and use that as a guide to help you find the best investment.

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About the Author

Carolyn Kay

As a Real Estate professional, I specialize in helping my clients buy, rent or sell properties in Westchester County. I am passionate, dedicated and committed to my clients and my first priority is to provide them with first class service and guidance throughout the entire process. It has been said that I go above and beyond for my clients to get the deal closed! I have experience working with clients who have financed their purchases with either a conventional, VA or FHA loan and have a good understanding of how they work; no sale is too big or too small for me to take on. My family and I relocated to England for 2 ½ years, this was a wonderful experience but at the same time, it was overwhelming. I have first hand knowledge of the challenges as well as the positives in discovering a new community. I was born and raised in Scarsdale and once married, my husband and I decided to raise our two daughters here. Both of our daughters successfully graduated from the Scarsdale schools and are both married, living and working in Manhattan. After living in the same house for 30 years my husband and I took the leap, sold our home and bought and renovated a condo townhouse in another town. Once again we are discovering a new community and fully understand the highs and lows of selling a home we loved and buying and making a new home. I feel that my personal real estate experiences have made me more in tune with my client’s needs and therefore better able to help them navigate through the complex process. Please call me so that I can put my knowledge and experience to work for you.