How to Find Investment Properties
Thinking about getting into real estate investing? You’re not alone. Many people want to buy rental properties to earn passive income, build wealth, and even save on taxes. But before you dive in, it's important to understand what to look for in an investment property and how to find the right one for your goals.
Whether you’re flipping houses or holding properties for rental income, this guide breaks it all down in simple terms. Plus, we’ll show you how to use FishFyndr.com to discover great real estate opportunities faster—starting in the Atlanta market.
Why Buy an Investment Property?
Rental properties are one of the most popular ways to generate passive income. You earn rent every month while the property (hopefully) increases in value over time. But smart investing takes more than luck—it takes research, planning, and the right tools.
FishFyndr.com helps new and experienced investors find income properties in Atlanta based on real data like rent-to-value ratios and predicted vs. actual price gaps. It's like having a property scouting assistant built into your screen.
New markets are coming soon, so stay tuned!
🔟 10 Things to Look for in an Investment Property
1. Neighborhood
The location sets the tone for the type of tenants you’ll attract and your vacancy rate. Good neighborhoods = stable income.
2. Property Taxes
High taxes might hurt your cash flow unless offset by high rent or strong appreciation. Always check with the local tax assessor.
3. Schools
If you're buying a family-sized home, the local schools can affect resale value and rental demand.
4. Crime Rates
No one wants to live in a high-crime area. Use public crime maps or talk to neighbors to get the real story.
5. Job Market
Areas with growing job markets attract more renters. You can check the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics or local economic development reports.
6. Amenities
Parks, gyms, public transport, and restaurants nearby make your rental more attractive—and easier to fill.
7. Future Development
Check with the local planning office. New developments can either boost property values or flood the market with supply.
8. Vacancy Rates
Too many vacant properties may mean low demand—or a seasonal trend. Understand what’s normal for the area.
9. Average Rent
Make sure potential rent covers your mortgage, taxes, insurance, and maintenance—and leaves room for profit.
10. Natural Disaster Risk
Flood zones or earthquake areas come with high insurance costs. Factor that into your expenses.
🧭 How to Actually Find Investment Properties
1. Work with a Real Estate Agent
A local agent knows the market, the trends, and what a good deal looks like. They also have access to the MLS (Multiple Listing Service).
2. Use FishFyndr.com
Instead of manually browsing listings, use FishFyndr.com to filter Atlanta-area properties by price, rent-to-value ratio, neighborhood data, and price prediction accuracy. It’s built for real estate investors—not just home buyers.
3. Browse Online Auctions
Websites like Auction.com or Hubzu list foreclosed properties. Be ready to pay in cash and act quickly.
4. Look for Off-Market Deals
Drive through neighborhoods, look for “For Sale By Owner” signs, and ask around. Sometimes the best deals never hit the public listings.
5. Spread the Word
Let friends, coworkers, and even your barista know you're looking to buy. You never know where a lead might come from.
💡 How to Tell if a Property Is a Good Investment
The “2% rule” is one quick shortcut: if the monthly rent is at least 2% of the purchase price, it's probably a strong investment. But even simpler—and more accurate—is analyzing the rent-to-value ratio, a metric FishFyndr.com uses extensively.
We also help investors spot undervalued properties by comparing predicted property values to their current listing prices—giving you an edge in finding hidden deals.
📋 Step-by-Step Guide to Buying a Rental Property
- Define your goals (cash flow, appreciation, flipping?)
- Get pre-approved for financing
- Use FishFyndr to research Atlanta submarkets
- Talk to local agents
- Run the numbers (rent-to-value, expenses, insurance)
- Inspect the property thoroughly
- Budget for property management or DIY maintenance
- Close the deal and get insured
🤔 FAQs About Buying Income Properties
What is the best type of investment property for beginners?
Single-family homes or condos are usually safest for beginners. They’re easier to manage and tend to attract stable, long-term tenants.
How much money do I need to get started?
Most lenders require 20–30% down for investment properties. You’ll also need money for closing costs, repairs, and emergencies.
Can I manage my rental myself?
Yes, but be ready to handle maintenance, rent collection, and tenant issues. Many investors eventually hire property managers (expect to pay 8–12% of rent).
Is it better to flip or rent?
It depends on your goals. Flipping offers short-term profit but comes with higher risk. Rentals are better for long-term income and stability.
❓ FAQs About FishFyndr.com
What is FishFyndr.com?
FishFyndr.com is a real estate analytics platform that helps investors find promising income properties in Atlanta using data-driven insights like rent-to-value ratios and predicted price deltas.
Which cities does FishFyndr support?
Right now, FishFyndr focuses exclusively on the Atlanta metro area, but we’re expanding to other markets in the coming weeks.
Does FishFyndr calculate ROI?
Not yet. Our focus is on rent-to-value analysis and identifying price prediction mismatches—so you can spot undervalued opportunities.
Do I need a subscription?
FishFyndr offers both free and premium tiers. Premium plans unlock advanced analytics, CSV downloads, and access to AI-powered insights. See plans here.
✅ The Bottom Line
Finding the right investment property takes time, research, and the right tools—but it’s worth the effort. Know what to look for, run the numbers that matter, and use smart platforms like FishFyndr.com to make confident decisions in the Atlanta real estate market.
Ready to get started?
👉 Explore investment properties in Atlanta at FishFyndr.com