Should You Relocate for Real Estate Investing? The Pros, Cons, and Best Markets for Investors
Should You Move for Real Estate Investing? How Strategic Relocation Can Boost Your ROI
When most people think about real estate investing, they think about finding the right property. But what if the smartest move you can make… is relocating yourself?
Whether you're in an overpriced market or just tired of watching others grab the best deals, moving to a more investor-friendly location might be the bold strategy that changes everything.
In this post, we’ll break down when relocating makes sense, how to pick the right market, and the real-world pros and cons of pulling the trigger.
Why Your Zip Code Might Be Hurting Your Business
If you’re struggling to find deals that pencil out, your local market may not be the problem—your location might be.
Here’s how living in the wrong market can slow you down:
🔺 High acquisition costs: You're competing with retail buyers and low inventory
🏗️ Harder to build a team: Fewer investor-friendly contractors, lenders, and service providers
❌ Tougher regulations: Rent control, permit red tape, or wholesaling restrictions
If your business is constantly bumping into local roadblocks, relocating could actually be your biggest competitive advantage.
When Relocating for Real Estate Makes Sense
Not everyone should pack up and move. But if you check off a few of these boxes, it might be time to seriously consider it:
You’re full-time or scaling aggressively
You’re investing out-of-state anyway
Your current market has become cost-prohibitive
You want to build long-term wealth in a landlord-friendly state
You're craving lifestyle + business alignment (affordability, community, taxes)
Best Types of Markets to Relocate To
Not all “hot” markets are investor-friendly. You want markets that offer cash flow, appreciation potential, deal flow, and reasonable regulations. Look for:
Affordable housing with strong rent-to-price ratios
Growing population and job growth
Landlord-friendly laws
Established investor networks
Some popular markets investors are moving to right now:
Tennessee (Nashville, Chattanooga)
Florida (Jacksonville, Tampa)
Texas (San Antonio, Houston)
Georgia (Atlanta suburbs)
North & South Carolina (Charlotte, Greenville, Columbia)
Pros of Relocating as an Investor
✅ More deal flow in your backyard
✅ Easier to build in-person relationships with contractors, agents, and sellers
✅ Lower living costs = more business runway
✅ Better lifestyle alignment with your goals
✅ Improved speed of execution (boots-on-the-ground)
Potential Cons to Watch For
⚠️ Relocation costs (moving, downtime, rebuilding network)
⚠️ Emotional toll of leaving family or a familiar city
⚠️ Time to adjust to a new market's rhythm and rules
⚠️ Might not be necessary if you already have a strong virtual team
💡 Pro Tip: Try spending 1–3 months in your target market before fully relocating. Use that time to meet vendors, close deals, and test the waters.
Conclusion: Relocation Isn’t Quitting—It’s Strategic
Relocating for real estate investing isn’t about running from your market—it’s about running toward your goals. If where you live is capping your potential, it might be time to ask: What could I do in a market that’s built for investors like me?
👉 Want help identifying your next investor-friendly market—and building your business wherever you land?
Join The Profit Playbook, where we help investors scale smarter, whether they stay put or move strategically.
