rental market/quality in south OC (Irvine, Lake Forest: real estate, purchase, tenants)

[chienb]

Wife and I are looking to purchase our 3rd property in OC and just wanted to get some insight on the rental market in Lake Forest, MV, etc. Both our properties are in Irvine and we were looking at a few developments in Lake Forest and Rancho MV mainly 1) to get away from the overpopulation of Irvine 2) more affordable/bigger floor plans. However, a lot of the new developments are in the middle of nowhere and I'm worried that rental demand will be a lot lower compared to Irvine.

I've had 10+ tenants over the years and most work/study within a 20-30min commute. I've never had late rent payments and the general quality of tenants are decent. I don't think we mind purchasing another property in Irvine but I just wanted to get some insight into other options. Ultimately, we'd like to purchase a property in an area that would not depreciate too much and have rental income cover most expenses once we move out to our 4th, 5th etc property.

[ElDiabloJoe]

I would have thought, with that much experience in the local market, you would have opinions or resources yourself to address those concerns.

[Electrician4you]

Stick to Irvine.

[EastViaWest]

I’m a local real estate agent (and native) in Lake Forest, feel free to ask away! Where are the locations you think are in the middle of nowhere? I can’t think of any place like that except Ortega here.