Why We Sold in Colorado: Now We Buy Real Estate in Memphis, TN
Why are investors ditching Colorado and doubling down in Memphis real estate? In this episode, veteran investors Jim and Amy explain why they sold off their long-held Colorado rental properties and shifted their focus to Memphis, Tennessee—one of the most landlord-friendly and cash flow-rich markets in the country. After investing in multiple states like Florida, Alabama, and Illinois, they found themselves caught in a legislative squeeze in Colorado, where tenant laws and regulatory burdens made it nearly impossible to manage rental property profitably. Now, they’re planting their flag in Memphis, a city that offers high returns, steady rental demand, and the kind of pro-investor climate they believe is essential for building long-term wealth.
This conversation dives into the real-world shift many rental property investors are making—leaving high-cost, regulation-heavy states like Colorado for markets that make financial sense. Jim and Amy aren’t new—they’ve been in real estate investing since 2004 and owned over 20 single family homes in Colorado. When numbers stopped making sense and tenant protection laws tightened, they made a data-driven decision to exit. They sold high in Colorado and are now buying smart in Memphis real estate.
Their story echoes what many landlords are facing: reduced cash flow, rising home prices, and politics that favor tenants over owners. Memphis offers lower entry costs, consistent demand, and a more predictable investment property landscape. In many C and C+ neighborhoods undergoing revitalization, the 1% rule still applies. And with a strong Section 8 infrastructure, investors here are building recession-resistant portfolios without giving up ROI.
We explore the ongoing debate: new builds vs. rehabs. Jim and Amy’s early years were filled with DIY property management, which gave them a deep appreciation for low-maintenance new construction. Still, they see opportunity in well-executed rehabs, especially in emerging Memphis neighborhoods. Their strategy is about smart entry points, controlling expenses, and growing cash-flowing assets. They’re not guessing—they’re building a legacy.
In this Why We Sold in Colorado: Now We Buy Real Estate in Memphis, TN episode:
- Leaving Colorado Behind – Jim and Amy didn’t leave Colorado on a whim—they left because the state made it nearly impossible to profit from rental property. With new tenant protections, long eviction processes, and threats of forced relocation payments, even paid-off homes couldn’t deliver a reliable ROI. Rather than waiting for conditions to worsen, they listed properties and started reallocating to landlord-friendly states.
- Why Memphis Makes Sense Now – Memphis real estate offers what Colorado doesn’t: landlord protection, affordable rental properties, high tenant demand, and a strong Section 8 program. It’s one of the few markets where you can still find 1% rule rentals in areas gaining value. Jim and Amy are targeting neighborhoods undergoing revitalization, jumping in before appreciation drives prices too high.
- Balancing New Builds and Rehabs – After 20 years of managing older homes, Jim and Amy are drawn to new construction properties for their ease and efficiency. That said, they still value the ROI potential in turnkey rehabs, especially when designed with durable finishes and low rent-turn costs. Their blend of rehabs and new builds reflects a diversified, long-term rental strategy.
This episode is a blueprint for investors facing hostile markets. Jim and Amy’s Colorado exit strategy wasn’t emotional—it was financial. By reallocating equity into Memphis investment property, they’re capitalizing on strong rental demand, affordable housing, and favorable laws. It’s a smart move with a long-term payoff.
Memphis isn’t just a fallback—it’s a frontrunner. From high occupancy rates to visible neighborhood turnaround, the fundamentals are strong. Investors who act now are getting in before the next wave of appreciation. Jim and Amy’s journey proves that buy-and-hold investing still works—if you pick the right market.
For anyone looking to escape the squeeze of overpriced, overregulated states, this is your call to action. Whether you’re brand new or repositioning your portfolio, you’ll gain a real-world roadmap to profitable, passive income real estate. Don’t wait to buy real estate—buy real estate and wait.
About 5 O’Clock Somewhere Real Estate Investor Podcast
5 O’Clock Somewhere Real Estate Podcast throws out the script, brings common sense back to real estate, and has casual conversations about the one and only market that matters – Memphis! We’re not interested in what some real estate expert from California has to say because we know the truth: Memphis is where the smart investors put their money. Forget about Vegas, Nashville, and the rest of the country, Memphis is the blue-chip stock of the real estate world. We’ll tell you everything you need to know about why Memphis is the safest and hottest place to buy rental real estate, and how you can be a part of a smart investment.
If you would like to join the conversation, participate in an upcoming recording, or just call to bounce ideas off one of our team, you can call or text us at 901-692-7401. Or if you prefer send us a message.
Share this episode with your friends: