Best Investment Properties

Whether you are just starting out in investing or are looking to add more properties to your portfolio, you want to find the best investment properties.  Before you start searching, you want to make a list of your criteria--are you looking for a residential or commercial property?  Do you want a house to use as a rental, or are you hoping to make your money by selling it?  Are you planning on living in the home while renovating it, or do want to flip it for a quick profit?

Even though there are many investment opportunities in real estate, you should always strive to have an investment that will pay for itself, one that has the potential to increase in value, and one that is a good fit for your lifestyle and resources. No one house or commercial property can the best investment property for everyone.  Take stock of your needs before you begin.

If you are interested in purchasing an existing business property, find one that is successful.  Don't get distracted by failing businesses with the promise of potential.  Look over the books, check existing obligations such as lease agreements or restrictive covenants and ask the owner why they are selling, and ask yourself if you have the ability to run the business.  If the success of the business depends on expertise you don't have, walk away unless you know you can get the right people working for you.

Multi-dwelling structures, such as garden apartments or a high-rise can be some of the best investment properties.  These tend to be more expensive than single family homes to buy,  The monthly income can be potentially greater, but so can the operational costs.

Small apartment buildings grouped together won't be cost as much as a high-rise, but will have high maintenance needs.  A single family home is often a good start, but will need a high rent to make it profitable.

Some of the best investment properties, especially for beginners, are undervalued single family homes that you fix up and resell for a profit.  This is commonly known as house flipping.  For those with little money to invest, living in a home while fixing it up is a good option.

If you don't have the time and money for a quick flip, consider living in a home while fixing it up for a few years.  This isn't as fast as house flipping, but it is a nearly risk free way of investing in real estate.