Quote · BiggerPockets Real Estate Podcast
Where We'd Invest in Real Estate Right Now (12 Markets)
Where this was said
Long-Term Rental Pick #3: Chattanooga, Tennessee (Dave Meyer)
At 10:55 · chapter starts 9:40
Dave Meyer teases that he's breaking from his usual Midwest and Northeast habits to pick Chattanooga, Tennessee — and the reasoning is compelling. The city has seen nearly 6% population growth in five years, drawing residents from LA, Miami, DC, Chicago, and Atlanta who are chasing quality of life and affordability. Meyer introduces his 'investing for vibes' philosophy: he prioritizes cities where people genuinely want to live because that's what sustains rents and appreciation long-term. [1] — Dave Meyer "Chattanooga is a genuine hybrid market — you get both cash flow and appreciation, fueled by nearly 6% five-year population growth and an in…" 09:35 He backs the thesis with a concrete underwriting example: a duplex listed at around $500,000 that had been sitting for 72 days, with each side renting for approximately $1,900 — totaling $3,800 in monthly revenue. At a negotiated price of $450,000 or less, this is a cash-flowing deal in a high-quality market. Tennessee's lack of state income tax is a bonus. Henry confirms Chattanooga is a great city — big enough to have amenities, small enough to avoid overwhelm, and close enough to Atlanta to capture that market's economic gravity.
Chattanooga, Tennessee saw nearly 6% population growth in the last 5 years, drawing movers from LA, Miami, DC, Chicago, and Atlanta.
