Ditch Arizona and invest in Ohio?

[Kyle Johnson]

I'm currently pre-approved for up to a 400k loan amount in Arizona. I've been looking at properties and the nicer ones do sell quickly and typically get overbid by others. Although these multifamily properties that I'm looking at are nice, the cash on cash return is pretty low. The real estate agent and investor that I'm working with is from this community and he recommends expanding my price range from 400k-600k. I know appreciation is important but I'm heavily weighted towards cash on cash returns and evidently it's just not that strong in Phoenix or in the surrounding area. My question is do I just forget Arizona because the prices are too high and look into other places like Columbus Ohio where the prices are more reasonable and have a higher chance of getting a better cash on cash return? How do people feel about this? All comments are appreciated.  

[Todd Pultz]

Kyle, we invest in Columbus and you can find solid properties, but columbus prices have spiked also. You should focus more in secondary markets like Dayton OH and places similar. We have hundreds of properties in Dayton that are cash flow monsters. We still buy quads turn key in Dayton for 110-140k. We pick up brrrr quads for 60-70k needing 20-30k rehab. If cash flow is your goal, secondary markets are a better option. Most of my realtor clients in Dayton, Cincinnati and columbus have really good success