Blog:

May 26, 2025

How to Invest in Indianapolis Real Estate: Your Guide to Winning with Midterm Rentals

Author(s):
Max Moore

How to Invest in Indianapolis Real Estate: Your Guide to Winning with Midterm Rentals

Indianapolis is quickly becoming a goldmine for real estate investors, and for good reason. With steady growth, affordable property prices, and an increasing demand for midterm rentals, Indianapolis is an excellent city to start or grow your real estate investment portfolio. Whether you're wondering if you should invest in Indianapolis or looking for how to invest in Indy, this guide will break down everything you need to know to succeed in the local market.

Why Invest in Indianapolis Real Estate?

Indianapolis offers many advantages for real estate investors, especially those seeking long-term, cash-flowing properties. Here's why Indianapolis stands out:

  • Affordable Real Estate Prices: Compared to major markets like New York or Chicago, real estate in Indy remains affordable. This makes it an ideal city for beginners looking to dive into real estate investing without breaking the bank. Learn more about Guy East’s real estate journey here.


  • Consistent Rental Demand: With a growing population and a solid job market, the demand for housing is always strong, especially in areas like workforce housing and midterm rentals. Guy talks about the shift to midterm rentals and why they are becoming essential for investors.


  • Diverse Investment Opportunities: From single-family homes to multifamily units, motel conversions, and workforce housing, Indianapolis has a wide range of investment opportunities that can cater to various real estate strategies. Discover how to maximize profits with motel conversions.


Want to learn more about the best investment strategies in Indy? Check out the Investor Guide to get started!

What Are Midterm Rentals, and Why Should You Consider Them in Indianapolis?

Midterm rentals are becoming increasingly popular for both investors and tenants, especially in cities like Indianapolis, where the demand for furnished rentals is rising.

What Are Midterm Rentals?

Midterm rentals typically refer to leases between one and six months. These properties are often fully furnished and cater to individuals in temporary housing situations, such as traveling nurses, business professionals, or people relocating to a new city.

Why Invest in Midterm Rentals in Indianapolis?

  • Rising Demand: With major hospitals, businesses, and universities in Indianapolis, there's a steady stream of tenants looking for temporary housing options. Midterm rental properties are ideal for professionals who need a place for several months without the commitment of a year-long lease. Guy discusses how midterm rentals meet the needs of tenants.


  • Higher Rental Yields: Compared to traditional long-term rentals, midterm rentals often generate higher rental income. In Indianapolis, you can command premium rates for these properties, especially in neighborhoods close to major employment hubs or hospitals. Learn more about maximizing rental yields.


  • Lower Vacancy Rates: Since midterm rental tenants tend to stay longer than short-term vacationers but shorter than traditional tenants, vacancy rates can be significantly lower. This means consistent cash flow with less turnover.


Investing in Workforce Housing in Indianapolis

Another profitable strategy in Indianapolis is workforce housing. This type of housing is designed for middle-income workers who need affordable, quality living options near their place of employment.

Why Workforce Housing Is a Smart Investment

  • High Demand: Indianapolis has a robust economy with large employers in industries like healthcare, education, manufacturing, and logistics. Many of these workers need affordable housing close to their jobs, making workforce housing in high-demand neighborhoods a lucrative investment. Guy explains why workforce housing is key to long-term growth.


  • Sustainability: Investing in workforce housing helps meet a crucial need in the community, ensuring a long-term, stable rental market. These types of properties are generally easier to rent and offer consistent, reliable income.


  • Long-Term Growth: With Indianapolis' continuous population growth and the steady demand for affordable housing, investing in workforce housing is a great way to secure long-term returns.


Workforce Housing Project

The Benefits of Motel Conversions in Indianapolis

One unique real estate strategy gaining traction in Indianapolis is motel conversions. This involves converting underperforming motels into midterm rental properties or workforce housing, capitalizing on the growing demand for affordable, furnished accommodations.

Why Consider Motel Conversions?

  • Untapped Potential: Many older motels in Indianapolis are located in desirable areas but have been underperforming as traditional lodging. By converting these properties into midterm rentals or workforce housing, investors can unlock significant potential and capitalize on the growing demand. Guy talks about navigating the challenges of motel conversions.


  • Lower Upfront Costs: Motel conversions often require less capital upfront compared to traditional ground-up development projects. This makes them an attractive option for investors looking to break into the Indianapolis market with lower risk and faster turnaround times.


  • Higher Cash Flow: With the right renovations, motel conversions can generate high cash flow from midterm rentals or workforce housing tenants, especially in areas near major employers or transit hubs.


Motel Conversion Example

Lebanon, IN: The Hidden Gem for Real Estate Investment

One of the most surprising insights Guy shared is the rising potential of Lebanon, IN as a real estate investment hub. While Lebanon may not have been on every investor’s radar, Guy explains why this city is becoming a goldmine for those looking to invest in midterm rentals and workforce housing. With infrastructure improvements and growing demand for affordable housing, Lebanon, IN is quickly becoming a hotspot for real estate investors looking to secure profitable properties. Guy shares more insights on Lebanon’s market potential.

Lebanon, IN Real Estate

Actionable Steps for Real Estate Investors

If you’re looking to dive into Indianapolis real estate or are curious about the potential of midterm rentals, here are some actionable steps to get started:

  1. Research the Market: Understand the demand for furnished rentals and workforce housing in Indianapolis, especially in areas like Lebanon, IN and downtown Indianapolis. Dive into the specifics of the Indianapolis market with Guy.


  2. Find the Right Property: Whether you’re interested in motel conversions, single-family homes, or multifamily units, look for properties that fit your investment goals and the needs of your target tenants. Learn how to find profitable properties.


  3. Renovate for Midterm Rentals: Focus on creating high-quality, furnished spaces that appeal to tenants looking for flexible living arrangements. Consider areas close to hospitals, business districts, or universities. Check out Guy’s approach to renovating properties.


  4. Leverage Financing Options: Real estate investment can be capital-intensive, but there are many financing options available, such as traditional mortgages, private lenders, or even 1031 exchanges for reinvestment.


  5. Partner with Local Experts: The Indianapolis real estate market is unique, so partnering with experienced professionals, including property managers and contractors, will help ensure the success of your investment.

Need help getting started? Check out our Investor Resources, including our Investor Map, Investor Calculators, and more!

Conclusion: Why Indianapolis is the Place to Be for Real Estate Investors

Indianapolis offers diverse opportunities for real estate investors looking to dive into the world of midterm rentals and workforce housing. With affordable property prices, strong rental demand, and a thriving economy, this city is ideal for long-term investment growth.

By incorporating strategies like motel conversions, furnished rentals, and workforce housing, investors can tap into a rapidly growing segment of the real estate market and build a profitable portfolio.

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