Real estate investors nationwide are now showing a growing interest in investment properties located in California to enhance their rental portfolios. The Golden State has become a preferred choice among real estate investors for various convincing factors, such as a strong economy, appealing pricing, and steady rental market conditions. At the forefront of this trend, Easy Street Capital is excited to serve as a leading source of investment property loans for those seeking to build rental portfolios in California!
Types of Investment Property Loans for California Real Estate Investors
When it comes to real estate investing in California, there are a variety of markets and types of investment property loans to choose from. California has plenty of older properties in need of renovators to restore them to rent-ready status. For investors adept at rehabbing older properties, hard money renovation loans are a perfect choice! These investment property 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 quick return or pursue the BRRRR Strategy by renting it out and then refinancing into a long-term, low-rate DSCR loan!
Long-term DSCR Loans are also great for investing in turnkey rental properties. Turnkey refers to properties that are already rent-ready and require no renovations. Move-in ready single family homes and multi-unit properties (such as duplexes or triplexes) are great for cash flow and price appreciation. Most DSCR Loans are fixed rate for thirty years, locking you into a fixed interest rate for the long-term. While, if historical patterns continue, rents and appreciation increase steadily each year. Bottom line, debt costs stay the same while cash flow increases!
Where To Invest In Real Estate In California
California stands as a preferred destination for real estate investors owing to its wide array of options and diverse geographical features. As the largest state in the nation by population, California offers a range of markets and prospects suitable for various types of real estate investors. The cities featured in this article encompass a blend of well-established metropolises and burgeoning smaller markets.
Los Angeles stands as a beacon of creative vibrancy, hosting the heart of the entertainment industry that has mesmerized the world. San Diego’s inviting climate and picturesque coastline offer a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, making it a mecca of coastal relaxation and adventure. San Francisco’s innovative spirit and technological prowess have catalyzed groundbreaking advancements across sectors, shaping the landscape of modern progress.
Joshua Tree’s awe-inspiring desert vistas provide a lugubrious yet strangely beautiful landscape that captivates nature lovers and soul seekers. Sacramento, as the state’s capital, boasts a rich political heritage and plays a pivotal role in shaping California’s legislative future.
Los Angeles
With a population of nearly 4 million, Los Angeles is renowned for its cultural diversity and offers an extensive array of real estate investment opportunities. Drawing in both tourists and business travelers, this city is a favored global destination. Iconic landmarks like the Hollywood Sign and the Getty Center contribute to a thriving short-term rental market. Moreover, Los Angeles boasts a plethora of stunning outdoor locations for nature enthusiasts, including Griffith Park and Runyon Canyon. The city’s diverse and dynamic demand drivers position it as a prime locale for short-term rentals. Investors often set their sights on coveted neighborhoods such as Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and Downtown LA. Beyond its attractions, Los Angeles is a cultural hub with a rich arts scene and a tantalizing culinary landscape.
Los Angeles is a lucrative, highly competitive real estate market. As of January 2025, the average home sale price in LA for a three-bedroom was $994,900 according to Rocket Homes. Price is perhaps the biggest barrier to entry in this market. While this market may be relatively inaccessible to newer investors or those with less available capital, it remains a solid market for rentals. The Zillow Home Value Index in Los Angeles (a metric indicating typical home values in a market) increased by 4.29% year-over-year as of January 2025. High purchase prices and general unaffordability of homes have created a strong and consistent demand for rental properties.
In the Los Angeles real estate market, strategic property acquisitions near bustling employment centers provide a distinct advantage for investors. The demand for flexible housing solutions, driven by the city’s employment opportunities, creates a specialized market poised for growth. This presents real estate investors with a tangible opportunity to capitalize on consistent rental income and potential property value appreciation. A dynamic job market and evolving housing demands make this a compelling market for well-positioned investors.
San Diego
San Diego, located along California’s southern coast, is a vibrant city with a population surpassing 1.4 million. Positioned in proximity to Los Angeles, it is an integral part of the larger Los Angeles-San Diego metropolitan region. The city enjoys a diverse and thriving economy, propelled by sectors like biotechnology, tourism, defense, and higher education. Notable employers include Qualcomm and UC San Diego Health.
San Diego benefits from its strategic coastal position and close proximity to the San Diego International Airport, enhancing its appeal to real estate investors. Serving as a significant gateway for travelers crossing between the United States and Mexico, the airport’s influence contributes to the need for short-term lodging and convenient travel options in the region. Additionally, investors specializing in student housing have ample cash-flowing options to choose from. As the name would suggest, San Diego State University is located in this city with an enrollment of more than 32,000 students.
San Diego presents a favorable opportunity for investors to take advantage of its stable rental market. As of February 2025, the average market rent in San Diego stands at $3,045 per month, offering promising returns on investment, per Zillow. Moreover, the average home value is $1,003,444, a 4.0% increase over the past year. A business-friendly environment and cost-effectiveness attract investors eager to profit from the San Diego’s real estate potential.
San Francisco
San Francisco, a dynamic city renowned for its cultural diversity and iconic landmarks, boasts a population exceeding 800,000 residents. The city’s thriving industries in technology, real estate, and innovation offer a stable foundation for both renters and investors. San Francisco’s corporate hub lures skilled professionals seeking quality rentals, with giants like Salesforce, Airbnb, and Uber headquartered here.
San Francisco captivates visitors from around the world. Iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, as renowned culinary offerings draw tens of millions of tourists annually. The city’s flourishing tourism sector plays a pivotal role in the expansion of short-term rental opportunities. This is evident in prime districts such as Fisherman’s Wharf, Union Square, and the Mission District.
The consistent influx of highly skilled professionals and entrepreneurs seeking housing has bolstered the demand for both rental properties and homes for sale. According to the latest data from the Council for Community and Economic Research, San Francisco ranked within the top 10 cities with the highest average sales price in the country at $1,153,380. For investors that can afford to enter what is perhaps the most expensive market in the nation, there is certainly money to be made.
Sacramento
Sacramento, nestled in California’s scenic landscape, captivates visitors with its historic charm and vibrant urban atmosphere. The city’s riverside beauty and rich cultural heritage envelop both residents and tourists in a captivating ambiance. Furthermore, Sacramento offers an abundance of outdoor activities, from hiking and biking to exploring its diverse arts and entertainment scene. The city’s range of residential properties and vacation homes presents an alluring prospect for real estate investors, particularly in the thriving short-term rental market.
Relative to the more prominent markets in the state, properties in Sacramento are relatively affordable. As of January 2025, the median sale price of a home in Sacramento increased to $474,000 according to Redfin. The median rent in Sacramento, CA is $1,965, which is above the national average, but significantly below California’s larger cities. This city continues to grow in population year over year as high sales prices in the Bay Area market are pushing some investors inland towards more affordable properties. Renters make up a high percentage of Sacramento’s growing population of more than half a million. As of Q3 2024, 50.2% of Sacramento homes were tenant-occupied according to Neighborhood Scout. Sacramento’s high renter percentage, affordability versus CA markets, and steady growth make it a favorable choice for real estate investment.
Joshua Tree
Joshua Tree, nestled in California’s high desert, is a vibrant community known for its unique artistic culture and stunning natural landscapes. The town’s dynamic spirit and close connection to Joshua Tree National Park create a distinct and appealing atmosphere. Local businesses and creativity shape Joshua Tree’s authentic identity, giving residents and visitors a genuine regional experience.
Joshua Tree offers a variety of cultural gems that showcase its unique history and thriving artistic community. Landmarks like the Joshua Tree Art Gallery, the Joshua Tree Music Festival, and the Noah Purifoy Outdoor Desert Art Museum, attract visitors seeking creative inspiration. Furthermore, Joshua Tree hosts an array of festivals and gatherings that celebrate its rich cultural tapestry and culinary treasures.
Joshua Tree garners a perfect Market Score of 100 as recognized by AirDNA. This signifies the city’s immense potential for real estate investors seeking lucrative opportunities. During peak season, the average property operated as an STR in Joshua Tree is projected to generate $6,500 in monthly revenue! Despite the city’s popularity and reputation as an established STR market, median sale prices are still relatively affordable – $385,000 as of January 2025. Joshua Tree presents an enticing prospect for real estate investors seeking to capitalize on a thriving vacation rental market.
Ready to Get Started?
Ready to invest in real estate in California? Easy Street Capital is top lender for rental loans in California, both hard money rehabs and long-term or short-term rental properties.
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