Newbie looking at Ohio

Newbie looking at Ohio

Member since 2020 · 1 post · 3 votes

Hello,

My name is Haroon and I'm a rookie real estate investor. I am based out of Toronto, Canada where finding cash flow neutral properties are not possible (let alone cashflow positive!). The search led me to the US and looking at the mid-west, etc, where cashflows are better and the entry points are better

Interested in multifamily properties (targeting $500k or less, which led me to OHIO as one of the states)

I've always been a yeild / cashflow guy, so my priorities will be capital preservation with cashflow (and a bit of appreciation woudl be nice).

This is my approach:

- Talk to as many people as possible to narrow down the state then city/neighbohood and then actively pursue deals in that area
- Figure out structurally how to get money from Canada into the US and vice-versa (to avoid double taxation, since im an out of country investor)
- All the while educating myself etc.

I have given myself 6-12 months to buy my first property (or, kill this idea entirely, and just stick with investing in Canada)

Would really appreciate:

1. Feedback on my approach? What am I missing or am I being too slow?

2. Connecting with realtors who have worked with OOS and OOC investors in the OHIO area. My questions will revolve around expected returns, rental growth, areas to concentrate on, and past deals

3. Connecting with any investors who have been investing in the OHIO area, and what have they learnt

4. Any other advice you'd give to someone who's new in the game? 

Deeply indebted to BP and its contributors. 

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Zach LemasterBusiness Member
Rental Property Investor · Denver, CO · Member since 2015 · 2k+ posts · 3k+ votes
5y

@Michal Liviatan Carpenter

Thanks for the shout out!  We have many Canadian clients invest with us in the states, and find excellent financing options.  No stranger to how that process works.  Plus my wife is Canadian!  ; )

@Haroon Ashraf I agree with you it's all about networking with the right people and building your team!  I think you're off to a great start researching on BP.  I'm happy to answer any questions you have.

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  • Marc RiceBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus Cleveland Dayton, OH · Member since 2018 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    5y

    @Haroon Ashraf

    Columbus, Ohio is a great market to invest in for its cash flow and appreciation hybrid. If you’re concerned about cash flow and capital conservation you’ll want to look towards more C class property where you can have higher cap rates and more ability to add value and cash out refinance.

    Being out of the US the lending hurdle will be a bit more difficult so you’ll most likely need to buy cash to start and then find a lender to service your refinance.

    Overall Columbus is a great market that I invest in, but there are other good Ohio markets also. Columbus is just the most rapidly growing and has the best fundamentals for long term growth in my opinion.

    Marc Rice | Investor Friendly Agent at Reafco Tailwind Team574 Reviews
  • Remington LymanBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus, OH · Member since 2017 · 6k+ posts · 7k+ votes
    5y
    Originally posted by @Haroon Ashraf:

    Hello,

    My name is Haroon and I'm a rookie real estate investor. I am based out of Toronto, Canada where finding cash flow neutral properties are not possible (let alone cashflow positive!). The search led me to the US and looking at the mid-west, etc, where cashflows are better and the entry points are better

    Interested in multifamily properties (targeting $500k or less, which led me to OHIO as one of the states)

    I've always been a yeild / cashflow guy, so my priorities will be capital preservation with cashflow (and a bit of appreciation woudl be nice).

    This is my approach:

    - Talk to as many people as possible to narrow down the state then city/neighbohood and then actively pursue deals in that area
    - Figure out structurally how to get money from Canada into the US and vice-versa (to avoid double taxation, since im an out of country investor)
    - All the while educating myself etc.

    I have given myself 6-12 months to buy my first property (or, kill this idea entirely, and just stick with investing in Canada)

    Would really appreciate:

    1. Feedback on my approach? What am I missing or am I being too slow?

    2. Connecting with realtors who have worked with OOS and OOC investors in the OHIO area. My questions will revolve around expected returns, rental growth, areas to concentrate on, and past deals

    3. Connecting with any investors who have been investing in the OHIO area, and what have they learnt

    4. Any other advice you'd give to someone who's new in the game? 

    Deeply indebted to BP and its contributors. 

    It sounds like you are off to a great start!

    I recommend you read this article on OOS investing. It explains the importance of creating your core four. You will need to get a local, rockstar Realtor, contractor, lender, and property manager.

    https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/core-four-real-estate-team

    I invest locally in Columbus, Ohio

  • Michael MagnoBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Wadsworth, OH · Member since 2017 · 234 posts · 168 votes
    5y

    Figure out the acquisition portion of your strategy first. Cash, Financing, etc.  If you can't buy the properties, then the rest is moot.

    Cleveland Ohio is one of the best markets for the OOS investing.  

  • Brandon GoldsmithBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus, OH · Member since 2020 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    5y

    There are a lot of good markets to start out in Ohio. It all really comes down to building a team and setting specific criteria in what you are looking for in your first property. Best of luck! @Haroon Ashraf

  • Rental Property Investor · Columbus, OH · Member since 2017 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    5y
    Originally posted by @Haroon Ashraf:

    Hello,

    My name is Haroon and I'm a rookie real estate investor. I am based out of Toronto, Canada where finding cash flow neutral properties are not possible (let alone cashflow positive!). The search led me to the US and looking at the mid-west, etc, where cashflows are better and the entry points are better

    Interested in multifamily properties (targeting $500k or less, which led me to OHIO as one of the states)

    I've always been a yeild / cashflow guy, so my priorities will be capital preservation with cashflow (and a bit of appreciation woudl be nice).

    This is my approach:

    - Talk to as many people as possible to narrow down the state then city/neighbohood and then actively pursue deals in that area
    - Figure out structurally how to get money from Canada into the US and vice-versa (to avoid double taxation, since im an out of country investor)
    - All the while educating myself etc.

    I have given myself 6-12 months to buy my first property (or, kill this idea entirely, and just stick with investing in Canada)

    Would really appreciate:

    1. Feedback on my approach? What am I missing or am I being too slow?

    2. Connecting with realtors who have worked with OOS and OOC investors in the OHIO area. My questions will revolve around expected returns, rental growth, areas to concentrate on, and past deals

    3. Connecting with any investors who have been investing in the OHIO area, and what have they learnt

    4. Any other advice you'd give to someone who's new in the game? 

    Deeply indebted to BP and its contributors. 

    Columbus Oh definitely has the deals My first BRRRRR was $300k, put $50k into it, refinanced and got $90k back. Now im working on refining it agin to get another $50k and it cash flows $1800/month.

    Second BRRRRR cost $160k, put $55k into it, refinanced and gave me just under $200k back and cash flows $2000/month.

    Currently working on my 3rd BRRRR in the city!

  • Jack SmithPro Member
    Rental Property Investor · Massillon, OH · Member since 2017 · 216 posts · 168 votes
    5y

    Hello Haroon, 

    Take a look at the 'Find Deals' on the menu at the top of the page and then the pull down menu of 'Real Estate Listings'.  You can filter down to the city and state of your choice to find many deals that will fit your parameters.  

    We buy/sell/rehab/hold in the Akron/Canton/Massillon areas and cash flow has always been steady and healthy here.  Appreciation has been low in these areas up until the last couple years; now we're seeing it pick up.  These have been solid areas for many years and are only improving!   

  • Lender · Toronto, Canada · Member since 2021 · 67 posts · 37 votes
    5y

    Hello Haroon, 

    Sounds like a good start ! I recommend to check with Rent To Retirement for beautiful cash flow assets, as well as financing options for specifically for Canadians. Good Luck ! 

  • Zach LemasterBusiness Member
    Rental Property Investor · Denver, CO · Member since 2015 · 2k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    5y

    @Michal Liviatan Carpenter

    Thanks for the shout out!  We have many Canadian clients invest with us in the states, and find excellent financing options.  No stranger to how that process works.  Plus my wife is Canadian!  ; )

    @Haroon Ashraf I agree with you it's all about networking with the right people and building your team!  I think you're off to a great start researching on BP.  I'm happy to answer any questions you have.

  • Nuno BarbosaPro Member
    Investor · Toronto, Ontario · Member since 2019 · 28 posts · 10 votes
    5y

    Hi Haroon, I can't comment on Ohio, however. Why so quick to write of the GTA? I recommend you look at Hamilton, Brantford to the west and Durham, Peterborough to the east. I personally hold a handful of SFH in Peterborough and Barrie and they cashflow north of 1k/month per house.

    The GTA is a great place to invest, and as Toronto becomes more unaffordable, you will continue to see good growth in the smaller cities around toronto.   

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