Buying - then renting... (Sarasota, Port Charlotte: renters, appliances, buying a home)

[sunny.days.ahead]

I know, I know, very repetitive "subject line" throughout the board, but after doing some research I feel like I just want to point blank as this question:

In your (and probably in... SoFloGal's...) opinion, where is the best value for your dollar if you are a.) interested in buying a very inexpensive single-family-home b.) paying cash for it c.) renting it out d.) having it paid off within 5 years with both renters money and your own to then see some return for let's say your retirement...

My father is intrigued with this idea and wants to have a place so he can pocket some cash during his retirement and then eventually a vacation spot etc. Venice? North Port? I'm thinking Sarasota is too expensive for a cash purchase. We're not talking $250-300K here... thinking cute 2b/2b bungalow or cottage with good bones and pleasant location.

Also, where is a good site to sift through MLS listings - it's getting a little bit overwhelming just to start.

Any thoughts or input...

[SoFLGal]

Originally Posted by sunny.days.ahead

I know, I know, very repetitive "subject line" throughout the board, but after doing some research I feel like I just want to point blank as this question:

In your (and probably in... SoFloGal's...) opinion, where is the best value for your dollar if you are a.) interested in buying a very inexpensive single-family-home b.) paying cash for it c.) renting it out d.) having it paid off within 5 years with both renters money and your own to then see some return for let's say your retirement...

My father is intrigued with this idea and wants to have a place so he can pocket some cash during his retirement and then eventually a vacation spot etc. Venice? North Port? I'm thinking Sarasota is too expensive for a cash purchase. We're not talking $250-300K here... thinking cute 2b/2b bungalow or cottage with good bones and pleasant location.

Also, where is a good site to sift through MLS listings - it's getting a little bit overwhelming just to start.

Any thoughts or input...

Well, you'll definitely get more for your money in North Port. You can get a newer 3/2/2 for well under $100k. North Port is about 30 minutes from the beach. If you're looking for something "cute" you're probably not going to find much in North Port. Most of the homes "cookie cutter" like. You won't find anything historical. That being said, my mom bought a little 2/2 and it's completely darling. It's bright yellow with white trim and a metal roof. Her one stipulation on buying a home was that it must have lots of mature trees. Her yard is beautiful and her home looks key-west-like.

If you looked in the South Venice area you might be able to find something more "bungalow-ish" It's also about 10 minutes from the beaches but you're going to pay a higher price than in North Port.

If you want to search for homes use: www.myfloridahomesmls.com It's the most up-to-date and all other websites pull from this site.

[TravelerGirl101]

We're in the process of buying a 3/2 home in Port Charlotte for only $75,000. It was built in the late 80's, but has been completely renovated inside with new appliances, flooring, paint, and new kitchen cabinets. It's beautiful!! We're so happy to have made the move down to Florida and we're very happy with the area. We came from a place with absolutely NOTHING to do. We love the North Port/Port Charlotte area because there is so much to do and not far to the beach. You'll definatly find a nice home here!!

[sunny.days.ahead]

Great ideas, thanks...

SoFLGal - yes, I was thinking South Venice! I'll start looking there and using that website. Thanks again, if there are any other ideas out there or people with their own stories keep 'em comin'.