With home prices rising by over 20% since last year, there’s never been a better time to capitalize on the real estate market. But with a competitive market, you have to act quickly to score the best places. You’ll need to know what you’re looking for — and where it’s located. 

Read on to learn how to find the most profitable real estate investment opportunities!

Drive Through Different Neighborhoods

When it comes to potential real estate investment properties, you may be able to find some diamonds in the rough where you live. Gas up your car and hit the open road to scout out potential options.

Even if you’re looking at real estate ads, you might be unfamiliar with particular neighborhoods in your city. If you’re investing in a different city than the one you call home, it’s especially smart to hop in your car and check out the area.

Look at the condition of neighboring homes. And know that some of the best properties to invest in have strong school districts and job growth. 

Look into Foreclosures

Even the best neighborhoods can be home to foreclosures. These homes can provide great value — but they’re not always so easy to spot. 

Foreclosed homes are ones where a bank took possession because the original owner defaulted on their mortgage. They are sold as-is, meaning you could inherit a home with leaks and mold on the interior. Some have been neglected or vandalized, too, so be prepared to face initial costs. 

On the plus side, you could save up to 20% when you make the purchase. You might need to consult your local courthouse auction schedule to find houses that will be up for bidding. If the house still has a lot of unwanted furniture and other items, you can always hire a service to auction your stuff for you. This can also help bring down the cost of the home.

Try Online Property Listings

Real estate investing is far easier than it was 20 years ago courtesy of online directories. You can look up real estate listings in pretty much any city!

Better yet, you can find specific sites that cater to investment properties. Find residential and commercial properties that are on the market.

Work with Real Estate Agents

If you’re new to real estate investing, it doesn’t hurt to network with local real estate groups. You may even want to formalize a partnership and use an agent to make an acquisition. They’ll know the market of a given area and can point you to leads before they hit the online directories. 

Alternatively, working with online real estate investor groups can be an excellent way to get a foothold in this area. For instance, reedyandcompany.com helps investors find properties that are undervalued. Working with a company can help ensure that you’re not wasting your time on properties that won’t grow your portfolio. 

Find the Best Real Estate Investment Opportunities 

You’ll need to be open to diverse search approaches to find good real estate investment opportunities. Get in your car and start driving around neighborhoods if you’re keeping your investment local. Or work with real estate agents or online listings to find the perfect property. 

Need more tips on where to invest in real estate? Come back to find new articles!