Looking to invest out of State in Yuma, AZ and Columbus, OH. Thoughts on cities?

[Alastaire Vicente]

I am looking to put 20% down on my first rental property, and I am currently looking at Yuma, AZ and Columbus, OH. What are your thoughts about these cities especially as a first time investor? One of my concerns after doing research on the cities is the high crime rate in Yuma.

[Ben Rodriguez]

I have a few rentals in Yuma however, I bought before the post-covid inflation. Property prices since then have risen quite a bit along with interest rates. Rent rates of course have also risen but it’s difficult to find a decent place where the numbers will work. There are deals out there, but they’re generally older homes in less desirable neighborhoods, which may require some work. While the crime rate in Yuma might reflect as “high”, it’s really not that bad as compared to bigger cities. I have a couple of properties in or adjacent to some these neighborhoods and have yet to be notified of any crime occurring there.