Local vs. Out-of-State Investing: Where to Buy Your First Rental (Rookie Reply)

BiggerPockets Blog
Published: November 28, 2025
Getting Started

Summary

This article from BiggerPockets discusses the pros and cons of investing in short-term rentals in your local market versus out-of-state. It also delves into using a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) for funding and the various loan options for BRRRR strategies, emphasizing the importance of aligning your investment strategy with your financial goals.

Key Insights

  • Investing in your local market provides an advantage due to better knowledge of the streets, physical presence to observe the market, and access to local contacts.
  • Using a HELOC can provide quick access to funds without bank permission, but there's no set repayment plan, and it can become risky if over-leveraged.

Action Items

  • If considering a HELOC, research interest rates and have a clear repayment plan, ensuring rental income covers debt obligations.
    Effort: low
    Impact: medium
  • Evaluate your personal motivations for investing (cash flow, appreciation, tax benefits) to determine the best investment strategy and market.
    Effort: low
    Impact: medium

Common Mistakes

  • Don't try to overanalyze and find that perfect deal that you’re going to get the best deal that anyone has ever gotten with a hundred thousand dollars.

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