Rebecca Johnson, Broker
Rebecca Johnson is a North Central Florida real estate broker specializing in investment properties, rental properties, small multifamily communities and student housing throughout Gainesville, Alachua County and the surrounding North Central Florida market.
As co-owner of Rabell Realty Group and KNR Property Management, Rebecca brings a property management perspective to real estate sales. Her experience managing rental properties gives her firsthand knowledge of what happens long after a property closes — from rental rates and tenant demand to maintenance costs, turnover, property condition and the day-to-day realities of owning an investment property.
That experience has naturally shaped her real estate specialty. Rebecca enjoys working with investors buying or selling single-family rental properties, duplexes, small multifamily properties, student housing and rental portfolios. She particularly enjoys helping clients evaluate the bigger picture: not simply what a property costs today, but how it may perform as a rental investment over time.
Rebecca's work spans Gainesville, Alachua, High Springs, Newberry and surrounding North Central Florida communities, with an expanding presence west toward Crystal River and Florida's Nature Coast. She splits her time between Gainesville and Crystal River with her partner, Britton, giving her a personal connection to both communities and the growing corridor between them.
After college brought Rebecca to Gainesville, she fell in love with the area and chose to make it home. Today, she combines her knowledge of the local real estate market with years of hands-on property management experience to help owners and investors make practical, informed real estate decisions.
Outside of real estate, Rebecca's favorite role is being mom to her three children, Eva, Thomas and Sebastian. She enjoys spending time with her family, being on the water and staying involved in the North Central Florida communities she calls home.
Looking to buy or sell an investment property in Gainesville, North Central Florida or the Nature Coast? Call or text Rebecca Johnson at 352-275-9900.
Frequently Asked Questions
Buying rental & investment property across North Central Florida
What should I look for when buying a rental or investment property in North Central Florida?
Anytime you're buying a rental or investment property, you need to look at the full picture — what is going in versus what is coming out.
First, decide what your goal is. Are you buying for long-term appreciation and equity, or are you looking for monthly cash flow? From there, look closely at property taxes, insurance, utilities and anticipated maintenance expenses. Insurance can vary significantly depending on the type of rental, and student rentals can sometimes be treated differently than traditional residential rentals.
You also want to know exactly what you're buying. Look at the age and condition of the roof, HVAC, appliances, plumbing and electrical systems. Is the property on sewer or septic? What capital improvements are likely to come up in the next several years versus normal ongoing repairs?
Property taxes are also a big consideration throughout North Central Florida. Gainesville has become increasingly expensive for some investors, which is one reason I think it's important to look at surrounding markets, including Marion and Citrus counties. The purchase price is only one piece of whether a property is actually a good investment.
Is a small multifamily property a good real estate investment in North Central Florida or Citrus County?
I think small multifamily can be an excellent investment, but I would pay close attention to where growth is happening rather than only looking at where everyone is already buying.
Ocala and Marion County are good examples. That area continues to grow, property taxes can be more favorable than some surrounding markets, and you tend to see more long-term tenants, which can mean less turnover and fewer make-ready expenses.
I also really like the Lecanto, Crystal River, Homosassa and Inverness areas. Citrus County is seeing continued growth and infrastructure improvements while still being more affordable than many larger Florida markets. For investors willing to look ahead a little, I think there are some very interesting opportunities there.
With any small multifamily purchase, though, the numbers still have to work. Growth is great, but I would never buy something based on future appreciation alone.
What should I know before buying a student rental property near the University of Florida?
I think one of the biggest things investors underestimate with student rentals is the cost of maintenance and turnover.
You have to remember that many student tenants are young adults living on their own for the first time. Student properties generally get lived in harder than a traditional rental, and you may have more frequent turnover, painting, cleaning, flooring repairs, appliance issues and general wear and tear.
That doesn't mean student housing is a bad investment. It can be a very strong market, particularly around the University of Florida, but you need to budget realistically. I would rather see an owner build those expenses into their numbers from the beginning than buy a property based on rent alone and be surprised later.
How do I determine what a rental property in North Central Florida will actually rent for before I buy it?
If you're buying any property in Florida as an investment, you need to do your own due diligence.
I would call several local property management companies and ask for rental opinions. Ask what they think the property would rent for, how quickly comparable properties are leasing and what they are actually seeing in that specific area.
Then do some research yourself. Look at Facebook Marketplace, Zillow, Realtor.com, Apartments.com and other rental sites to see what comparable properties are being advertised for.
Your Realtor can absolutely help with this, but personally, I would never rely on one person's rental estimate when making an investment decision. Get several opinions and do your own research so you understand the full picture before you buy.
Should I use a Realtor who also has property management experience when buying an investment property?
Honestly, it depends on your goals.
If you already have experience owning rentals, understand the local market and plan to self-manage, you may be perfectly comfortable working with a Realtor who doesn't have a property management background.
If you're newer to investing or unfamiliar with Florida landlord-tenant laws and the practical side of operating a rental, having someone with property management experience can be extremely helpful.
For me, the bigger advantage is perspective. A property manager tends to look beyond whether a property is attractive or whether the sales numbers work on paper. We're also thinking about what it will rent for, how difficult it will be to maintain, what tenants are looking for, potential turnover costs and what may become an expensive problem later.
The most important thing is having someone on your side who understands what you're trying to accomplish and will help you look at the property as an investment, not just a sale.