Real estate is oftentimes a very popular and profitable investment opportunity. It can have more consistent returns and provide the investor with tangible assets. In the past, real estate has appreciated despite economy bubbles and crashes, allowing it to potentially outperform other asset classes.
By purchasing properties that have potential rental income, you can create immediate cash flow as well. When using a property management company, you can leave the day-to-day supervision of the property to a company that specializes in services such as tenant placement and verification, maintenance and repairs, and lease enforcement. This creates an avenue of passive investment for those that don’t want to deal with the hassle of being a landlord.
Why Invest in the Tampa Bay Area
Florida has always been a desirable place for real estate investment. 51,000 people moved to the Tampa Bay area last year, making it one of the top 10 real estate investment markets in the nation! High demand is driving up rent, creating greater returns for property investors. Tampa Bay boasts a strong economy with a lower unemployment rate than the national average and a booming job market.
Tampa Bay is home to some of the most sought after places to live and visit. In the United States, Sarasota ranked #18 on a list of best places to live, and St. Pete ranked #9 for best beaches.
How to Invest
There are many ways to invest in real estate. You can buy REITs that provide dividends and don’t involve buying any actual property. It’s similar to the stock market and has you investing in big commercial real estate companies. This type of investment sometimes comes with a bit more risk than purchasing a physical property.
Alternatively, you can buy and sell real estate for a profit. This is more suited for someone that is interested in being a long-term investor. You can tell how long it will take your investment to double by using the rule of 72, dividing 72 by the annual rate of return. Generally, it takes years, depending on the market, to see a significant return. During that time, your investment can be providing you with consistent cash flow by renting it out.
