First time Investor Looking in Ohio

[Dena Zeman]

Hi all, I am a first-time investor, and I am looking in the Ohio area for SFR and or multi-unit properties that are approx. $150k or less that are not in need of major fixing. Small repairs are fine. Also, properties that possibly have renters in them or can be rented fairly quickly. Ideally, I would like an area that's up and coming and will see appreciation sooner than later. Are these realistic requests in what I want in my property search?

I have been told from a local property manager some areas that are good to start as a new investor. The areas that I was given are B/C graded areas with increasing rents and homes appreciating. Below are the following areas:

Garfield Heights 

Maple Heights

Cleveland Heights 

S. Euclid 

and Possibly Bedford.

My goal is cash flow initially, but i also want to hold this long term for them to appreciate and then my kids will eventually get these properties. So, basically, I will never sell. Can anyone familiar with these areas in Ohio tell me if these areas are worth investing in? My goal is to purchase 1-2 properties a year and build a portfolio.  Any info and or advice is appreciated as I am doing my research to figure out the best place to initially invest for my first couple properties.

Thanks so much!

[Remington Lyman]

Quote from @Dena Zeman:

Hi all, I am a first-time investor, and I am looking in the Ohio area for SFR and or multi-unit properties that are approx. $150k or less that are not in need of major fixing. Small repairs are fine. Also, properties that possibly have renters in them or can be rented fairly quickly. Ideally, I would like an area that's up and coming and will see appreciation sooner than later. Are these realistic requests in what I want in my property search?

I have been told from a local property manager some areas that are good to start as a new investor. The areas that I was given are B/C graded areas with increasing rents and homes appreciating. Below are the following areas:

Garfield Heights 

Maple Heights

Cleveland Heights 

S. Euclid 

and Possibly Bedford.

My goal is cash flow initially, but i also want to hold this long term for them to appreciate and then my kids will eventually get these properties. So, basically, I will never sell. Can anyone familiar with these areas in Ohio tell me if these areas are worth investing in? My goal is to purchase 1-2 properties a year and build a portfolio.  Any info and or advice is appreciated as I am doing my research to figure out the best place to initially invest for my first couple properties.

Thanks so much!

It does not matter where you start as long as you develop your Core 4. The core 4 is David Greene’s long-distance investing strategy and consists of a realtor, contractor, property manager, and lender. Once you have this team in place, you should be able to invest in any market confidently.

As for picking a specific market - I would go after one with an increasing job and population growth. I invest and work in Columbus, Ohio. I am also looking to invest in Cincinnati and Cleveland.