Buy-and-Hold Rental Properties Near NAS Jax and Mayport

NAS Jacksonville sits on the St. Johns River on the west side of the city, and Naval Station Mayport sits at the mouth of the river near the beaches. They are roughly 30 miles apart, so a rental that works for one base may be a long drive from the other. Start with which gate a property actually serves, then work through condition, costs, and rent. This page is part of our Jacksonville real estate investing guide.

Areas near each base

Near NAS Jax, investors often look at Orange Park, the Westside, and the neighborhoods along Roosevelt Boulevard and Blanding Boulevard. Near Mayport, they look at Mayport, Atlantic Beach, and the Arlington and Intracoastal areas. Drive times change a lot with the bridges and rush hour, so check the commute at the times a tenant would actually drive. Our area pages show current listings:

• Orange Park homes for sale
• Mayport homes for sale
• Homes near NAS Jacksonville
• Homes near Naval Station Mayport

What to look for in the property

• Condition of big-ticket items. Roof age, HVAC, water heater, and plumbing drive both insurance cost and repair risk.
• Flood zone and elevation. Properties near the river, creeks, and the coast can require flood insurance. Check the zone before you make an offer.
• HOA leasing rules. Some communities cap rentals, set minimum lease terms, or require board approval.
• Layout and parking. Bedroom count, garage or driveway space, and a fenced yard affect how many renters the home appeals to.
• Durable finishes. Hard flooring and simple fixtures cut turnover cost between leases.

Estimating rent

Use two sources. First, recent leased comparables from the MLS for similar homes nearby, which is the best evidence of what the market will pay. Second, the official BAH rate for the Jacksonville area as a reference point, not a promise. Our BAH rent math guide explains how to look up the rate and why you should never assume a tenant will pay exactly that amount. Rent to any qualified applicant under fair housing law; source of income should be treated the same way for every applicant.

Expenses to budget

• Principal and interest on your loan
• Property taxes without a homestead exemption (see the Florida property tax guide)
• Landlord insurance, plus flood insurance if required
• HOA dues, if any
• Property management, if you will not manage it yourself
• Repairs, reserves, and vacancy between leases

Get real quotes for insurance and management on the specific property before you close. Those numbers vary widely by house and location.

Already own a home here?

If you are on orders and deciding whether to keep your current home as a rental, read should you rent the house on PCS orders.

Next step

We help investors buy rentals, help landlords sell them, and help owners decide between the two. Call Matt Strickland at (904) 309-0609 or send us a message to talk through a property.