My First Keys

How to Find Good Neighborhoods: A Smart Investor's Guide to Property Location


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Podcast Episode Title:

"House Hacking 101: Live for Less and Build Wealth Fast"


Summary:

Garret Wong dives into one of the most overlooked but crucial aspects of real estate investing, choosing the right neighborhood. He shares personal stories, practical tools, and a detailed framework to help you avoid the costly mistake of buying in the wrong area. Whether you’re a first-time investor or seasoned landlord, this episode will help you level up your property picking strategy.


Timestamps:

[00:00:00] Why picking the right neighborhood can make or break your investment—and how most investors get it wrong.

[00:01:30] The Selkirk Avenue Nightmare: Garret shares the story of his first investment in a rough neighborhood and the harsh lessons that came with it.

[00:03:00] The 8-Step Neighborhood Checklist: From understanding A–D class areas to checking crime rates, schools, and talking to local experts—Garret breaks down a clear checklist to evaluate any area like a pro.

[00:05:30] Key Takeaways: A neighborhood isn’t just a backdrop—it defines your tenant pool, your ROI, and your stress level. Buy smart, not cheap.

About Garret Wong

Garret Wong is the founder of the My First Keys podcast, the Rent It Yourself Community and a seasoned property manager with nearly 30 years of experience. Originally a research scientist specializing in molecular biology, Garret transitioned into property investment, where he’s grown a personal portfolio of 43 buildings and 75 doors into a property management company that has managed over 1 billion dollars in assets with a 98.5% success rate in legal proceedings and a 98.6% rent collection ratio.

Known for his practical approach and strategic insights, Garret has developed an extensive SOP library to manage everything from tenant selection to maintenance, helping landlords and property managers build a reliable, resilient system.


Connect with Garret:

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Wong Capital

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Contact:

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My First KeysBy Garret Wong