patrick.net

If you're going to do a rental, keep in mind there is basically no employment there. The PS economy is #1 a weekend getaway, and then #2 a retirement enclave. #3 is all the service workers, since that is the majority of any "employment" to speak of--they are probably the largest pool of renters in PS, but obviously not the kind you want to deal with. So that really limits what you can do with a rental property in Palm Springs.

Sketchy areas . . . well, any teens in PS have nothing to do after the sun sets, so there is some of that, and the aforementioned low-income service workers, so there is some of that, too. The cops seem mostly busy pulling people over for DUI's after dark from what I could tell during my many visits.

I think the craze for second homes in Palm Springs has cooled off a bit, except for the really "special" properties, like any of the '60s modernist homes.

I only like rental property when you can live close by; otherwise the downside is too risky. But I am not one to talk, I have a rental 200 miles away...and I got to tell you, there have been many times when I wished I were closer. But, then again, it might become our retirement property, as well.

Sounds like you need to get to know the area much better. Homework never hurt but the problem is, if your retirement date is way out, neighborhoods change.

Why not just plan to pay down the mortgage on your primary residence and cash out when it's time; then take the money and buy a that time. Avoids all the hassles of being a distant landlord..

Cash flow positive with 20% down?

lol?

"I'm cash flow positive with 100% down, it's "awesome".

Parts of Palm Springs are just plain bad. Drugs, prostitution, gangs, petty theft to violent crimes. I live an hour up the freeway. I like the city and surrounding desert but some of the people are just your plain every day lowlifes.