Long Term Rental Investing

A long-term rental is a home, condo, or apartment that you rent out to tenants on a yearly lease (or 6 months and 1 day minimum). Instead of short stays like Airbnb, tenants usually sign for 12 months or more, giving you steady rental income.

Yes, but not for everyone or every portfolio. Tampa has a growing population, a strong job market, and steady demand for housing. While cash flow can be tighter at first, many investors choose Tampa because properties here also build long-term equity and appreciation.

Most new investors should expect to put down at least 20–25% of the purchase price as a down payment, plus closing costs and reserves for repairs. In Tampa, that often means having $60,000–$80,000 ready, depending on the property and neighborhood.

I calculate cash flow from a conservative approach, factoring in property management fees, reserves, and reassessed taxes and insurance that will happen post-close. Cash flow is harder today because of many variables. Some investors break even or run slightly negative in the first few years. The real play is building wealth through appreciation, tax benefits, and paying down the mortgage. Others use “house hacking” (living in one part of the property while renting out the rest) to offset costs.

The best neighborhood depends on your budget and whether you want stronger cash flow or higher long-term appreciation.

Most of my clients are out-of-state or even out-of-country investors. Distance may seem daunting at first, but I’ve built my process to make investing in Tampa smooth and stress-free. From walkthrough videos and digital contracts to coordinating inspections to property management transition, you’ll receive a thorough, professional experience every step of the way. My goal is to give you the confidence to invest here, even if you never set foot in Tampa until closing. I have recommendations and connections for every service you might need in Tampa.

The best time to sell a rental depends on your goals. Some investors choose to sell when property values have appreciated enough to capture strong equity gains, while others sell when cash flow no longer meets their expectations or when major repairs are on the horizon. In Tampa, steady population growth and high rental demand mean properties often hold their value well, so timing usually comes down to your personal portfolio strategy—whether that’s cashing out to reinvest, completing a 1031 exchange, or simply locking in profits. I help investors weigh both the market conditions and their long-term plans so they can decide if now is the right time to sell.