Investing in Youngstown in 2020

[Account Closed]

There are a few posts from a few years ago that suggest Youngstown is a high risk/high reward market for cash flow. It looks like population has been declining over many decades after the old industries died out (e.g,. steel and coal), although that appears to be leveling off recently. In fact, I'm sure this is common in the midwest with cities like Indianapolis and Columbus reinvesting in other industries that created the hot markets they are today.

I see that house prices can range as low as 20-30k and rent for $600/month. From a high level overview, Trulia shows low crime rates for the properties I research - anyone from the area can indicate otherwise? My gut tells me that these prices are a result that the area is not that attractive (declining population, lack of jobs, etc.). I see a few turnkey operations out here, but personally I prefer to play a more active role in an investment.

[Remington Lyman]

Originally posted by @Account Closed:

There are a few posts from a few years ago that suggest Youngstown is a high risk/high reward market for cash flow. It looks like population has been declining over many decades after the old industries died out (e.g,. steel and coal), although that appears to be leveling off recently. In fact, I'm sure this is common in the midwest with cities like Indianapolis and Columbus reinvesting in other industries that created the hot markets they are today.

I see that house prices can range as low as 20-30k and rent for $600/month. From a high level overview, Trulia shows low crime rates for the properties I research - anyone from the area can indicate otherwise? My gut tells me that these prices are a result that the area is not that attractive (declining population, lack of jobs, etc.). I see a few turnkey operations out here, but personally I prefer to play a more active role in an investment.

There are a lot of homes in Ohio that are in that price range. There are also homes in Columbus, Ohio that cheap. Imo I would rather buy a $30,000 home in Columbus, Ohio, and get hit with the appreciation stick. Ultimately, unless you are a local slum lord, it is difficult to make any cash flow from these homes. Not calling out slum lords, just being honest. Your cash flow cannot afford to fix all of the issues that arise in these neighborhoods.