Is the amount you would have to charge in rent comparable to similar rentals in the same area? Be alert, and notice what people are asking for. You might have to make some phone calls to get an idea.

You will also need to determine the length of the lease. Usually leases come in increments of six months, but it is up to you. Some people will want to rent on a month-by-month basis because they are in transition. Either they are waiting for a house to be built, or have recently transferred to the area with a new job. Others will want to settle down in an area. While having a short lease may attract renters, it may add a lot of stress to your life if you are constantly looking for renters.

Most cities keep track of the percentage of people who own homes versus renters. This information will let you know how much competition there is in that particular market. It may also help you get an idea of the demand for rentals. The unemployment rate of the area will also be available. This may help you make a decision on where you will purchase investment properties.

What type of area is it? Is the rental near a college or university? Is it in a retirement community, or a middle-class neighborhood? This may determine the type of marketing you do. It will determine the type of renters you get. If your investment properties are near a college, you may expect student renters. You will also have to anticipate what the rental will look like after the renter leaves.

The initial success of your investment properties may be about timing. Fall and spring are the best times to rent out a home. When purchasing a property, you will want to be ready to start selling in one of these seasons. That means the rental should be fixed up and looking good.

While looking at property to invest in, you need to consider how much money you will have to spend to get the place into livable condition. Evaluate the amount of plumbing, heating, and electrical work that will need to be done, and take into account the overall condition of the property. If the rental will need a lot of fixing up, find out how much and include that amount with the amount of the loan (if you are getting one). Remember to include the price of labor in that estimate. By including that amount in your loan, or by getting another loan for the sole purpose of fixing up the rental, you can quickly make the rental property livable, and start to get back some of your investment. Often investors do not consider the cost of repairing the rental, and so the rental property sits unused.

You will also want to consider which types of structures its best for you to invest in. Residential and commercial investment properties both have the potential of bringing you income. Invest in what has the best potential to bring you success.