Top 5 Markets for Mississippi Real Estate Investors in 2024

Real Estate investors looking for cash flow and appreciation are flocking to Mississippi to build rental portfolios.  The Magnolia State is liked by real estate investors due to many factors including affordable property values, a friendly tax environment and a diverse group of markets!  Easy Street Capital is proud to be a leading provider of investment property loans in Mississippi!

 

Types of Investment Property Loans in Mississippi

 

When it comes to real estate investing in Mississippi, there are many markets and types of investment property loans to choose from.  For investors that like to get their hands dirty, renovating older properties, hard money renovation loans are a perfect choice!  These loans allow you to buy a property quickly and finance your rehab costs as well!  Once you are done, you can either “flip” the property for a speedy profit or follow the BRRRR Strategy by renting it and refinancing into a long-term, low-rate DSCR loan!

 

EasyFix                EasyRent

 

Long-term DSCR Loans are also great for investing in turnkey rental properties.  Turnkey refers to properties that are live or rent-ready and require no rehab.  These could be used as long-term, medium-term or short-term rentals.  Most DSCR Loans are fixed rate for thirty years, locking you into a fixed interest rate for the long-term. If historical patterns continue, rents and appreciation increase steadily each year.  Thus, if history is an indication, debt costs stay the same while cash flow increases!  This can lead to financial freedom and long-term wealth.

 

Mississippi: A Landlord-Friendly State

 

One of the main reasons real estate investors that utilize rental loans like Mississippi is that its a landlord-friendly state.  Owners of rental properties, such as typical DSCR Loan borrower, are secure investing in the state.  Unlike some other states, Mississippi does not have any form of rent control. This means rental property owners are free to set rents at whatever level the market will bear. This can be an advantage for landlords who are looking to maximize their profits.

 

Mississippi law allows landlords to terminate a lease agreement and evict a tenant with a three-day notice if the tenant fails to pay rent on time or violates other terms of the lease. Additionally, Mississippi law allows landlords to charge a higher security deposit for tenants with pets and limits the amount of time landlords have to return security deposits to tenants. All of these factors combined make Mississippi an attractive state for real estate investors looking to become landlords with long-term rentals.

 

Where To Invest In Real Estate In Mississippi

 

Mississippi is a favorite market for real estate investors because of its diverse options.  Jackson is the capital city of the states and features a strong healthcare industry and growing technology sector.  Gulfport, located on the coast, is a popular tourist destination.  Hattiesburg is home to the University of Southern Mississippi and a solid secondary market.  Meridian is a smaller market in the eastern portion of the state, and features a very attractive Rent-To-Income Ratio.  Finally, Biloxi is another great market for short term rentals, with beaches and casinos as main demand drivers.

 

 

Jackson

 

Jackson, Mississippi is the capital and largest city of Mississippi, with a population of over 160,000. The city has a diverse economy, with industries such as healthcare, education, and manufacturing playing key roles. Real estate investors can find affordable investment opportunities in Jackson, with the median sales price for a single-family home in February 2024 at $77,000, according to Redfin. Utilizing DSCR Loans with as little as 20% down, investors can purchase an average single-family rental for approximately $15,000 down. This makes Jackson a promising market for rental property investors. Especially those just getting started or without access to a lot of funds for down payment.

 

In addition, Jackson is an attractive market for short-term rental investors. The city has a rich history and culture, with many attractions related to the Civil Rights Movement. The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum and the Medgar Evers Home Museum are just a few of the many historic landmarks in the city. These museums and attractions provide year-round demand drivers for short-term rentals.

 

Furthermore, Jackson has a landlord-friendly environment, which is advantageous for real estate investors. The state of Mississippi has laws that favor landlords, including allowing landlords to charge a late fee of 10% of the rent or $30, whichever is greater. It also allows landlords to evict tenants for non-payment of rent without a grace period. This makes it easier for landlords to manage their rental properties and protect their investments.

 

Overall, Jackson’s diverse economy, affordable real estate prices, and rich history and culture make it a promising market for real estate investors looking to purchase rental properties. Additionally, the landlord-friendly environment adds an extra layer of security for investors.

 

 

Gulfport

 

Gulfport, located on the coast of Mississippi, is a charming city known for its beautiful beaches and abundant outdoor activities. The city boasts a motto of “We’re all about the beach,” which emphasizes its focus on tourism and the natural beauty of the area. Gulfport attracts visitors from all over the country, especially from neighboring states such as Louisiana and Alabama, making it a prime market for real estate investors interested in short-term rentals.

 

Like Gulf Shores, Gulfport has several peak seasons throughout the year, including spring break and summer vacations. These times provide an opportunity for short-term rental investors to demand higher rates and increase their cash flow. Gulfport also hosts various events throughout the year. These include the annual Gulfport Music Festival and the Gulf Coast Veterans Day Parade. These bring in even more visitors and potential rental income.

 

According to AirDNA, a leading data provider for short term rental investors, Gulfport is an attractive market for real estate investors in Airbnb in 2024. It boasts a tremendous rating of 99/100 for “investability,” making it one of the best places to invest in vacation rental properties. Investors can expect to earn an average monthly revenue of $2,500, with the peak in July (according to AirDNA)! With the help of DSCR loans from a forward-thinking lender such as Easy Street Capital, which qualifies the income of the property using AirDNA projections, investors can achieve high cash flow and steady returns.

 

Gulfport is a promising market for real estate investors looking for vacation rental properties. Its natural beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and steady demand for short-term rentals make it an attractive option. It’s location on the Mississippi coast, near popular tourist destinations such as Biloxi and New Orleans, further enhances its appeal. For investors interested in cash flow and steady returns, Gulfport’s growing tourism industry and consistent demand for short-term rentals make it a promising market.

 

 

Hattiesburg

 

Hattiesburg, located in southeastern Mississippi, is home to the University of Southern Mississippi, a flagship university in the state. The city has a population of over 45,000, making it the fourth-largest city in the state. Hattiesburg is also home to several cultural attractions, including the Hattiesburg Arts Council and the African American Military History Museum.

 

Hattiesburg is a great market for real estate investors who specialize in niche strategies, such as student housing or short-term rentals. The University of Southern Mississippi enrolls over 14,000 students. Student housing properties can be a very lucrative investment if done right. Investors can earn a higher rate of return than a traditional long-term rental property by selecting well-located properties close to campus and renting to reliable students.

 

Camp Shelby is the largest US National Guard training base in the eastern United States. Military training centers often attract many medium-term residents whose stay in the area is not long enough to interest people in purchasing housing.  This makes these areas terrific potential opportunities for medium term rentals.  These are investment properties that aim for 30-90 day stays, falling between long-term and short-term.  An increasingly popular option for real estate investors, the Hattiesburg market presents an interesting opportunity!

 

 

Meridian

 

Meridian, located in eastern Mississippi, has a population of over 41,000, making it one of the largest cities in the state. The city’s economy is diversified, with significant contributions from healthcare, education, and manufacturing sectors.

 

Real estate investors can find affordable investment opportunities in Meridian, with the median sales price for a single-family home of just $80,000 as of February 2024, according to Redfin.  Additionally, one of the favorite metrics of real estate investors to spot profitable markets is the Rent-To-Income Ratio.  The Rent-To-Income ratio measures a city’s average market rent against its median household income.  The higher the Rent-To-Income ratio, the harder it is for renters to afford the prevailing rents in the city.  Conversely, if the Rent-To-Income ratio of a market is low, it means there’s a large pool of potential renters. Additionally, if the city is growing, it means that rents have room to increase significantly, meaning more cash flow and profits for landlords that lock in their debt payment costs for long-term periods by using DSCR Loans.

 

According to Nerdwallet, the city’s Rent-To-Income Ratio of just 14% as of February 2023 is the second lowest in all of the United States!  For rental property investors that like to use this ratio, Meridian is a great market with extremely affordable property values!

 

 

Biloxi

 

Biloxi, Mississippi, is a popular coastal city known for its beautiful beaches and lively casino gaming. The city’s location on the Gulf of Mexico draws in visitors from across the region for its sandy shores, while the many casinos offer a variety of gaming options, including slots, table games, and poker. Biloxi’s diverse attractions provide multiple demand drivers, making it an attractive market for real estate investors interested in short-term rentals.

 

According to AirDNA, Biloxi has a solid Market Grade of B, including a rating of 90/100 on “investability.” This reflects the opportunity for vacation rental investors to get good returns on affordable purchase prices.  Short term rentals will likely provide cash flow as the market projects solid occupancy and average daily rates.

 

Moreover, Biloxi has several cultural attractions, such as the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art and the Beauvoir, the Jefferson Davis Home and Presidential Library. The city also hosts various events, including the annual Biloxi Seafood Festival and Mardi Gras celebrations. These bring in even more visitors and create additional demand for short-term rentals.

 

Overall, Biloxi’s diverse attractions, strong demand for short-term rentals, and affordable real estate prices make it a promising market for real estate investors. Investors that use DSCR loans from a forward-thinking lender like Easy Street Capital that qualifies the income of the property using AirDNA projections can likely generate substantial cash flow.

 

Ready to Get Started?

 

Ready to invest in real estate in Mississippi?  Easy Street Capital is top lender for rental loans in Mississippi, both hard money rehabs and long-term or short-term rental properties.

 

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