I just read a recent study from LLC Attorney ranking the best cities for first-time real-estate investors, and Garland, TX grabbed a top-spot among Texas cities. LLC Attorney If youâre looking for investment opportunities in the DFW area, hereâs what stood out (warts and all), plus what Iâm seeing on the ground.
đ What the Report Says
-
Garland is cheaper than many other DFW suburbs, yet close enough to Dallas to draw strong demand for rentals.
-
Median home price in Garland is ~$296,000, average rent ~$2,000/month, making the yield pretty attractive.
-
Other Texas cities on the list include Fort Worth, Irving, Plano, San Antonio, and Frisco. Each has its trade-offs: higher prices, varying rent yields, but some excellent upside.
đĄ What This Means for DFW Investors (Real Talk)
Positive:
-
Affordability in the suburbs is still there. If you can buy in places like Garland, youâre avoiding the premium of Dallas proper, yet keeping yourself in a market tenants want.
-
Strong demand & growth. People want to live where they can commute, have access to amenities, and still get more house for their money. That drives rental demand steadily.
-
Landlord-friendly laws in Texas are a bonus for people starting out. Fewer restrictions makes scaling faster (if done smartly).
Challenges / Things to Watch:
-
Price creep. Whatâs âaffordableâ now may be expensive in a couple years. If you wait, you may have to stretch more to buy in a market thatâs already warming up.
-
Maintenance, vacancy, and management costs. Higher rents donât mean magic profits. Expenses can eat up margins; good property managers are vital.
-
Interest rates & financing. Loan costs, insurance, property taxesâthey all matter. Even in Texas, these vary wildly by city or ZIP.
â My Take & Advice if Youâre Considering DFW
If I were you, hereâs how Iâd approach this:
-
Focus on spots like Garland, Irving, Fort Worth, Plano. You get balance: reasonable entry price + strong tenant demand.
-
Run the numbers on yield, not just appreciation. Rental income minus all costs = real profit. Donât assume value-growth will bail you out.
-
Get in early. The best deals are often ahead of the curve. Look for neighborhoods just beginning their upward trajectory.
-
Build your team. A good property manager, contractor, real estate attorney, and solid real estate agent in the specific city matter more than you think.