Cleveland vs Columbus vs Toledo. Which one do you invest in?

[Brad M.]

1st  Post in BP. Newer resident in Ohio. Was previously investing in SW Florida, where I have 2 rentals. Have taken a hiatus from investing in real estate over the last 5 years to buy and grow a manufacturing business. Now that I have stabilized it and am generating good cash flow, I'm looking to actively invest in the Ohio area. I've mostly been considering Cleveland, Columbus, and Toledo and am interested in which one you would choose and why. I live in a very small town that is pretty close to the same distance from all 3 cities. I have my own opinions on which is best (for me), but I want to see what other people think and why. Would be especially interested to hear from anyone who invests in 2 or all 3 of the cities mentioned above.

Because someone will probably ask, here is some more info on preferences, goals, info. 

1. I'm not trying to replace my every day business with real estate investing. I just want to diversify income streams.
2. I play the long game. Very little interested in short term stuff.
3. When it comes to investing risk, I lean towards being more conservative.
4. I love a good tax write-off.
5. Interested in SF or MF, but am more versed in SF. 
6. Most interested in Class B or A.
7. I value equity over cash flow, but it still has to cash flow.
8. Looking at purchasing 2-3 properties a year.
9. I'm a big fan of passive investing. The more passive the better.
   
10. I am interested and actively researching other markets as well. The appeal of these cities to me is the proximity to my business and the ability to hire employees that can manage/operate them once there are enough properties to justify it.

[Gaspare U.]

I too am looking into Columbus for investment opportunities. I was at a crossroad between Columbus, Cincinnati and Cleveland. I chose Columbus for these reasons:

1. Unemployment is 3.6
2. City and MSA Population has grown over last 5 years
3. Well diversified Industry with Education being #1 and less than a quarter of the total. 
4. JPM 20k, Nationwide 12k, Honda 11k, L Brands 8600, Cardinal Health 5k full time employees
5. Rents have increased year after year (unfor so has vacancies) 
6. 5 week eviction process

I have more but I'm not here to do your target market research :) but it's a start. Good luck!