4 plex in SF Bay Area or invest in Cleveland

[Erik Grahn]

I live in the sf bay area

I have been considering investing in sfh rentals in Cleveland for long-term holds. The numbers seem to make sense.

Today i spoke to a couple who are very successful in RE. I told them my plan for Cleveland and they suggested i buy a 4plex in the bay area. Live in one unit and rent the rest. Their reasons were to get a primary residence loan, be able to pm myself,slowly renovate over time(im an electrician and know other tradesman), and to have more control over my investment. They have done well in the bay area(and elsewhere) and think this would be a great way to get in the business and learn directly.

I liked the idea of Cleveland because of lower costs. With a  bay area 4plex i would be "all in" money wise.

Curious what others here think