Is it smart to buy property out of state?
Asked by: Mr. Wilbert Prohaska PhD | Last update: February 4, 2026Score: 4.1/5 (69 votes)
Yes, buying property out of state can be smart for diversification, accessing better cash flow/affordability, and capitalizing on growth markets, but it requires a strong local team (realtor, property manager) to navigate unique state laws, taxes, and logistics, with risks including management difficulties and hidden costs if not planned well. It's a strategic move for portfolio growth but demands thorough research and reliable local support to succeed, especially for rentals.
Should I buy property out of state?
Affordability, matching markets with investment strategy, and better returns are three main advantages to buying real estate out of state. Turnkey rental property and experienced local property management help reduce the risks of investing outside your home state.
What is the 3-3-3 rule in real estate?
The "3-3-3 Rule" in real estate typically refers to a financial guideline for home buyers, suggesting monthly housing costs stay under 30% of gross income, saving 30% for a down payment/buffer, and the home price shouldn't exceed 3 times annual income, preventing overspending and building financial security for unexpected costs, notes Chase Bank, CMG Financial, and MIDFLORIDA Credit Union. Another interpretation, Mountains West Ranches https://www.mwranches.com/blog/3-3-3-rule-a-smart-guide-for-real-estate-buyers, is for buyers to have three months of savings, three months of mortgage reserves, and compare three properties, while agents use a marketing version: call 3, write 3 notes, share 3 resources.
What is the 7% rule in real estate?
The "7% rule" in real estate typically refers to a quick screening guideline for rental properties, suggesting the gross annual rent should be at least 7% of the property's purchase price to indicate a potentially good investment. It's a simplified metric for cash flow, where a $100,000 property would aim for $7,000 in annual rent, but it doesn't replace detailed financial analysis, ignoring expenses like taxes, insurance, and vacancies.
What state is best for buying a house?
Do You Know the Best State for Homeownership?
- Wyoming. Thanks to its relatively low property tax rate and low average closing costs, many folks in the state of Wyoming can afford to own a home. ...
- South Dakota. ...
- Idaho. ...
- North Dakota. ...
- Utah. ...
- Colorado. ...
- Minnesota. ...
- Montana.
This Is How To Buy a Rental Property Out Of State (For Beginners)
What salary do you need for a $400,000 house?
To comfortably afford a 400k mortgage, you'll likely need an annual income between $100,000 to $125,000, depending on your specific financial situation and the terms of your mortgage.
What's the cheapest state to buy a house?
The cheapest states to buy a house consistently include West Virginia, Mississippi, Ohio, Arkansas, Indiana, Iowa, and Oklahoma, with West Virginia often leading due to extremely low median home prices and overall cost of living, followed closely by other Midwest and Southeastern states like Missouri, Michigan, and Alabama. Affordability is driven by lower purchase prices and property taxes, but factors like local economy and job markets also matter.
What is the 50% rule in real estate?
The 50% rule in real estate investing is a quick guideline that estimates 50% of a rental property's gross income covers operating expenses (like taxes, insurance, maintenance, vacancy), leaving the other half for mortgage payments and profit, helping investors rapidly screen deals by quickly seeing if potential cash flow covers loan costs. It's a simplified tool for initial analysis, excluding mortgage, HOA, and management fees, but requires deeper dives into specific property costs, as actual expenses can vary greatly by location and property type.
How long will $500,000 last using the 4% rule?
Your $500,000 can give you about $20,000 each year using the 4% rule, and it could last over 30 years. The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows retirees spend around $54,000 yearly. Smart investments can make your savings last longer.
What is the 75% rule in real estate?
The primary purpose of the 75% Rule is to ensure that the Replacement Property aligns closely with what was initially identified. This alignment is crucial for maintaining compliance with the IRS regulations and securing the tax-deferral benefits of a 1031 exchange.
What is a red flag when buying a house?
Red flags when buying a house include structural issues (foundation cracks, sloping floors), water problems (stains, musty smells, poor drainage), sloppy renovations (uneven tile, gaps), bad smells, outdated or failing systems (HVAC, electrical), and seller behaviors like being evasive or covering up problems with fresh paint, all signaling potential hidden, costly repairs. Always get a professional inspection to uncover these issues before committing.
What is Dave Ramsey's mortgage rule?
Dave Ramsey's core mortgage rule is that your total monthly housing payment (PITI: Principal, Interest, Taxes, Insurance + HOA) should not exceed 25% of your monthly take-home pay, ideally on a 15-year fixed-rate conventional mortgage, with a 20% down payment to avoid PMI, all while being debt-free (except the mortgage) and having an emergency fund first. This approach aims to prevent "house poor" situations, allowing for savings, investing, and faster debt freedom.
Is $700000 in super enough to retire?
$700,000 in superannuation can be enough for retirement, but it heavily depends on your desired lifestyle, age, location, investment performance, and other income sources like the Australian Age Pension. It provides a strong base for a modest retirement, potentially supporting around $30,000-$40,000 annually for many years with smart planning, but might not last long for a lavish lifestyle, highlighting the need for a personalized financial plan.
How to go about buying a house out of state?
10 steps to buy a house out of state
- Create a plan. As with any home purchase, begin by evaluating your finances. ...
- Compare costs of living. ...
- Visit your new city and shop for a home. ...
- Find a real estate agent. ...
- Line up a mortgage. ...
- Make an offer. ...
- Get a home inspection. ...
- Hire a reputable long-distance mover.
What creates 90% of millionaires?
While the exact "90%" figure is often linked to real estate, most millionaires actually build wealth through a combination of ** consistent savings, smart investing (stocks, real estate), disciplined spending (avoiding debt, living below means), growing income via careers or business, and a mindset of control and financial literacy**, often starting early and focusing on long-term wealth building over flashy spending. Real estate is a significant contributor, but it's part of a broader financial discipline rather than the sole secret.
Can I afford a 300K house on a $70K salary?
You might be able to afford a $300k house on a $70k salary, but it will likely be tight and depends heavily on your low debt, good credit, a significant down payment (5-20%), current mortgage rates (around 6-7%), and manageable property taxes/insurance; lenders look for your total housing costs (PITI) to be under 28-36% of your gross income ($1,750-$2,100/month), so a low-debt borrower with a good down payment might qualify, but others may find homes in the $210k-$280k range more comfortable.
Can I retire at 60 with 500k in the UK?
You could retire at 60 with 500k, but it depends on what sort of retirement lifestyle you hope to enjoy. If you are happy to spend frugally throughout your retirement years, a £500K pot will go a fair way towards securing a reasonably comfortable retirement.
What is the average super balance of a 55 year old?
For a 55-year-old Australian, the average superannuation balance generally falls between $200,000 to $270,000 for women and $270,000 to over $300,000 for men, depending on the source and specific age bracket (50-54 or 55-59), with figures suggesting women average around $200k and men around $270k when interpolating data, though some averages show men potentially exceeding $300k by age 55-59.
How much money do you need to retire with $70,000 a year income?
To retire on $70,000 a year, you'll likely need a retirement nest egg of $1.75 million to $2.8 million, based on common guidelines like the 4% Rule (25x your needed income) or aiming for 80% replacement of your current income. The exact figure depends on your lifestyle, other income (like Social Security), inflation, and health care costs, but a substantial portfolio is key, often suggested as 10-12 times your final working salary.
Why do wealthy people rent instead of buy?
Rich people often rent instead of buy for greater flexibility, liquidity, and less responsibility, allowing them to avoid maintenance, property taxes, and being tied to one location, freeing capital for other investments, and enjoying luxury amenities without ownership burdens, especially in expensive markets or when career mobility is important. This reflects a shift from viewing homeownership as a status symbol to valuing financial freedom, mobility, and experiences.
What salary do I need to afford a $400,000 house?
To afford a $400k house, you generally need an annual income between $90,000 and $135,000, but this varies significantly; lenders look for your total housing payment (PITI) to be under 28-36% of your gross income, so factors like interest rates, down payment, credit score, and existing debts (car loans, student loans) heavily influence the exact income needed, with a higher income needed for higher rates or more debt.
What is Warren Buffett's #1 rule?
Warren Buffett's #1 rule of investing is famously simple and stark: "Rule No. 1: Never lose money. Rule No. 2: Never forget Rule No. 1.". This principle emphasizes capital preservation and avoiding significant losses, suggesting that protecting your principal is more crucial for long-term wealth building than chasing high, risky returns. It means focusing on buying good businesses at fair prices, understanding what you invest in, and being disciplined to prevent large, permanent losses, even if it means missing out on some fast gains.
What is the best state to live in financially?
The best states for finances often combine low cost of living with strong incomes and low taxes, with North Dakota, Wyoming, Iowa, South Dakota, and Nebraska frequently topping lists for saving money due to lower expenses and decent wages. States like Tennessee, Florida, Texas, and Wyoming are popular for retirees and others avoiding state income tax, while Utah, Indiana, and North Carolina rank high for overall economic outlook. The ideal choice depends on whether you prioritize low taxes, affordability, or high wages, with some states offering great tax breaks but higher living costs, and vice versa.
Is it better to buy or rent?
Those who like to move around or travel a lot might find renting a better option, while those wanting to create roots in a single location will find buying a better choice. Think about investing in a property. Buying a home can help you gain value and build equity by making home improvements.
What is a good credit score for buying a house?
580-639: Possible approval, but expect high interest rates and fees, especially for conventional loans. 640-699: Qualified for a home loan, but not the best mortgage rates available. 700-749: Strong borrower with access to good interest rates and more home loan options.