Module 2 Landlord ZIP
78242 TIER 3

South Side / Brooks City Base

Strong landlord territory with redevelopment momentum, military proximity, and excellent cash flow potential.

$165K

Median Sale

$1,350

Avg Rent

7.5%

Cap Rate

65%

MAO Rule

Why Landlords Love 78242

Brooks City Base Redevelopment

$1.5B development bringing retail, jobs, and new residents to South Side

Military Renter Pool

Close to Lackland AFB—steady stream of military families needing rentals

Strong Cash Flow Numbers

$200-400/month positive cash flow per door is achievable

Appreciation Upside

Gentrification spreading south—early investors see both cash flow AND appreciation

Area Breakdown

Brooks City Base Area

$160-200K

Former Air Force base being converted to mixed-use. New construction apartments driving demand for surrounding SFH rentals.

✓ Best appreciation potential in 78242

Palm Heights / Highland Park

$140-180K

Established working-class neighborhoods with 1950s-1970s brick homes. Reliable tenant pool.

✓ Consistent rental demand

South Park / Mission Area

$120-160K

Most affordable pocket. Higher vacancy risk but best cash-on-cash returns if managed well.

⚠️ Screen tenants carefully

Target Property Profile

IDEAL CHARACTERISTICS

  • 3BR/1-2BA (sweet spot for renters)
  • 1,000-1,400 sqft
  • Built 1960-1990
  • Brick exterior (low maintenance)
  • Central A/C or mini-split
  • Fenced backyard

AVOID

  • Window units only (hard to rent)
  • Septic system
  • Flood zone properties
  • Major foundation issues
  • Poor street/block condition

Cash Flow Analysis

Typical 78242 Rental

INCOME

Monthly Rent$1,350

EXPENSES

Property Tax (~2.5%)-$344
Insurance-$125
Vacancy (8%)-$108
Repairs (5%)-$68
Property Mgmt (8%)-$108

Monthly Cash Flow

$597

On $165K purchase

Annual Cash-on-Cash (20% down)

21.7%

Offer Strategy

MAO Formula for 78242:

65% × ARV - Repairs - $8K Fee

Example: Brooks Area Rental

ARV$175,000
× 65%$113,750
- Repairs-$20,000
- Assignment-$8,000
MAO$85,750

Landlord Buyer Pitch

  • Lead with cash flow numbers, not ARV
  • Know the rent comps cold
  • Mention Brooks redevelopment appreciation
  • Have property manager contact ready

Key Takeaway

78242 is pure landlord territory—use the 65% rule and lead with cash flow numbers when marketing to buyers. The Brooks City Base redevelopment is creating appreciation potential that's rare in Tier 3 markets. Target 3BR brick homes with central A/C and fenced yards—these rent fastest.