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User Stats

8
Posts
10
Votes
Asma Shah
  • Investor
  • Short Hills, NJ
10
Votes |
8
Posts

Section 8 investing in Cleveland

Asma Shah
  • Investor
  • Short Hills, NJ
Posted

Hi, I have read posts in a number of forums about section 8 investing in Cleveland. I am a newcomer to the real estate investment scene in the US (moved here in the pandemic), and I wanted to connect with anyone that has experience with Section 8 investments in Cleveland particularly. I am interested in looking at out of state investment opportunities as the high cost of living in NJ really does make it very investor friendly at the moment. I’m looking for information from experienced investors about areas within other cities & states that are promising for such investments. I'm absolutely clueless, and am looking for anyone who is willing to share their experiences, advice, or point me towards resources that could help in understanding the market better. I would be immensely grateful if you could share your insights on what would be absolutely crucial & invaluable to me as I take my first steps on this journey. Thanks so much in advance!

User Stats

6
Posts
3
Votes
Frederick Wofford jr
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Long Beach, CA
3
Votes |
6
Posts
Frederick Wofford jr
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Long Beach, CA
Replied

@Asma Shah

I’m looking for the same info. Following this post!

User Stats

849
Posts
825
Votes
Simon Ashbaugh
  • Realtor
  • Columbus Ohio, Cleveland Ohio
825
Votes |
849
Posts
Simon Ashbaugh
  • Realtor
  • Columbus Ohio, Cleveland Ohio
Replied

Hey Asma, Cleveland attracts Section 8 investors due to affordable properties, high demand for section 8 housing and potentially good rental income. However, it is crucial to analyze potential properties to ensure they cash flow.

This will depend on your risk tolerance and your goals but you should consider starting with a single-family home to gain experience as a landlord and build your network. This way, you can learn the ropes before tackling a larger property.

Also, when investing out-of-state, make sure you establish your Core 4 Real Estate team. This will be the key to achieving your goals.

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User Stats

82
Posts
78
Votes
Jessica Larson
  • Property Manager
  • Cleveland, OH
78
Votes |
82
Posts
Jessica Larson
  • Property Manager
  • Cleveland, OH
Replied

Hi Asma, welcome to the Cleveland area! I would be happy to assist with you questions and concerns about Section 8. Sending a connection request now to discuss further!

User Stats

8
Posts
10
Votes
Asma Shah
  • Investor
  • Short Hills, NJ
10
Votes |
8
Posts
Asma Shah
  • Investor
  • Short Hills, NJ
Replied
Quote from @Simon Ashbaugh:

Hey Asma, Cleveland attracts Section 8 investors due to affordable properties, high demand for section 8 housing and potentially good rental income. However, it is crucial to analyze potential properties to ensure they cash flow.

This will depend on your risk tolerance and your goals but you should consider starting with a single-family home to gain experience as a landlord and build your network. This way, you can learn the ropes before tackling a larger property.

Also, when investing out-of-state, make sure you establish your Core 4 Real Estate team. This will be the key to achieving your goals.


Thanks, that information is really valuable. I'm trying to look for a course on how to better understand valuations and also tax liens in different states, so as to form better & tax efficient structures under which to invest in different states.

User Stats

284
Posts
190
Votes
Regina Blake
  • Realtor
  • Cleveland, OH
190
Votes |
284
Posts
Regina Blake
  • Realtor
  • Cleveland, OH
Replied

Hi, yes, Ohio is definitely a great place to invest in Real Estate. People are investing in real estate in Ohio from all over the world. Thanks!

User Stats

67
Posts
23
Votes
Gladimir Lobo
  • Real Estate Broker
  • Cleveland, OH
23
Votes |
67
Posts
Gladimir Lobo
  • Real Estate Broker
  • Cleveland, OH
Replied

Asma,

We been investing in Cleveland and working with section 8 for over 20 years.  Connect with us to learn more.

User Stats

716
Posts
975
Votes
Min Zhang
Agent
Pro Member
  • Real Estate Agent
975
Votes |
716
Posts
Min Zhang
Agent
Pro Member
  • Real Estate Agent
Replied

Hey Asma! Welcome to BiggerPockets. If you are looking into Section 8, I recommend you check the Columbus market. Any C-class neighborhoods are more geared towards Section 8 and long term renters. Let me know how I can help!

User Stats

1,049
Posts
1,364
Votes
Samuel Diouf
Agent
Pro Member
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Columbus, OH
1,364
Votes |
1,049
Posts
Samuel Diouf
Agent
Pro Member
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Columbus, OH
Replied

Hey Asma! Columbus, Ohio is a great market to consider if you're leaning towards appreciation. Multiple, billion dollar companies are investing heavy in our area, such as Intel, Google, and Amazon. Which will bring plenty of other investors and general business to the area. I moved here from Florida after seeing the projected growth.

User Stats

849
Posts
825
Votes
Simon Ashbaugh
  • Realtor
  • Columbus Ohio, Cleveland Ohio
825
Votes |
849
Posts
Simon Ashbaugh
  • Realtor
  • Columbus Ohio, Cleveland Ohio
Replied
Quote from @Asma Shah:
Quote from @Simon Ashbaugh:

Hey Asma, Cleveland attracts Section 8 investors due to affordable properties, high demand for section 8 housing and potentially good rental income. However, it is crucial to analyze potential properties to ensure they cash flow.

This will depend on your risk tolerance and your goals but you should consider starting with a single-family home to gain experience as a landlord and build your network. This way, you can learn the ropes before tackling a larger property.

Also, when investing out-of-state, make sure you establish your Core 4 Real Estate team. This will be the key to achieving your goals.


Thanks, that information is really valuable. I'm trying to look for a course on how to better understand valuations and also tax liens in different states, so as to form better & tax efficient structures under which to invest in different states.


 You're welcome! Feel free to connect and reach out if you need any help.

User Stats

4
Posts
3
Votes
Stephen King
  • Lender
  • Austin, TX
3
Votes |
4
Posts
Stephen King
  • Lender
  • Austin, TX
Replied

Hey Asma, Section 8 investing in Cleveland, OH is a great strategy, I have a couple of investors that buy a property a month in Cleveland and Lorrain County. I'm also an investor/lender so I can assist with any questions you might have! 

User Stats

8
Posts
10
Votes
Asma Shah
  • Investor
  • Short Hills, NJ
10
Votes |
8
Posts
Asma Shah
  • Investor
  • Short Hills, NJ
Replied
Quote from @Samuel Diouf:

Hey Asma! Columbus, Ohio is a great market to consider if you're leaning towards appreciation. Multiple, billion dollar companies are investing heavy in our area, such as Intel, Google, and Amazon. Which will bring plenty of other investors and general business to the area. I moved here from Florida after seeing the projected growth.


 Yes, i have been looking at it closely and trying to study the areas in columbus OH as well.

User Stats

8
Posts
10
Votes
Asma Shah
  • Investor
  • Short Hills, NJ
10
Votes |
8
Posts
Asma Shah
  • Investor
  • Short Hills, NJ
Replied
Quote from @Stephen King:

Hey Asma, Section 8 investing in Cleveland, OH is a great strategy, I have a couple of investors that buy a property a month in Cleveland and Lorrain County. I'm also an investor/lender so I can assist with any questions you might have! 


 Thank you Stephen, i'll dm you for more info.

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User Stats

289
Posts
361
Votes
Harrison Chow
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Columbus, OH
361
Votes |
289
Posts
Harrison Chow
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Columbus, OH
Replied
Quote from @Asma Shah:

Hi, I have read posts in a number of forums about section 8 investing in Cleveland. I am a newcomer to the real estate investment scene in the US (moved here in the pandemic), and I wanted to connect with anyone that has experience with Section 8 investments in Cleveland particularly. I am interested in looking at out of state investment opportunities as the high cost of living in NJ really does make it very investor friendly at the moment. I’m looking for information from experienced investors about areas within other cities & states that are promising for such investments. I'm absolutely clueless, and am looking for anyone who is willing to share their experiences, advice, or point me towards resources that could help in understanding the market better. I would be immensely grateful if you could share your insights on what would be absolutely crucial & invaluable to me as I take my first steps on this journey. Thanks so much in advance!

Hey Asma! Welcome to the BiggerPockets! As an investor myself, I'd highly recommend considering Columbus for Section 8 investments. It's a promising market with great opportunities. Let's connect and I can share more insights and experiences to help you get started!

User Stats

203
Posts
190
Votes
Nathan Fisher
Property Manager
  • Property Manager
  • Cleveland, OH
190
Votes |
203
Posts
Nathan Fisher
Property Manager
  • Property Manager
  • Cleveland, OH
Replied
If this is your first investment, do not go with section 8 investing in Cleveland. It is not guaranteed money, the properties are often not in good condition, and CMHA is difficult to work with. The numbers look great. The numbers aren't real

For your first investment, Be boring. Get a B class property with a normal tenant. This will give you basic, reliable cash flow, without tearing your hair out.
business profile image
Aligned Properties Group
4.2 stars
37 Reviews

User Stats

8
Posts
10
Votes
Asma Shah
  • Investor
  • Short Hills, NJ
10
Votes |
8
Posts
Asma Shah
  • Investor
  • Short Hills, NJ
Replied
Quote from @Harrison Chow:
Quote from @Asma Shah:

Hi, I have read posts in a number of forums about section 8 investing in Cleveland. I am a newcomer to the real estate investment scene in the US (moved here in the pandemic), and I wanted to connect with anyone that has experience with Section 8 investments in Cleveland particularly. I am interested in looking at out of state investment opportunities as the high cost of living in NJ really does make it very investor friendly at the moment. I’m looking for information from experienced investors about areas within other cities & states that are promising for such investments. I'm absolutely clueless, and am looking for anyone who is willing to share their experiences, advice, or point me towards resources that could help in understanding the market better. I would be immensely grateful if you could share your insights on what would be absolutely crucial & invaluable to me as I take my first steps on this journey. Thanks so much in advance!

Hey Asma! Welcome to the BiggerPockets! As an investor myself, I'd highly recommend considering Columbus for Section 8 investments. It's a promising market with great opportunities. Let's connect and I can share more insights and experiences to help you get started!

 Hi Harrison, Yes i'm very much interested in colombus OH as well.

User Stats

114
Posts
118
Votes
Jamie O'Connell
Pro Member
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Elmira NY
118
Votes |
114
Posts
Jamie O'Connell
Pro Member
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Elmira NY
Replied
Quote from @Simon Ashbaugh:

Hey Asma, Cleveland attracts Section 8 investors due to affordable properties, high demand for section 8 housing and potentially good rental income. However, it is crucial to analyze potential properties to ensure they cash flow.

This will depend on your risk tolerance and your goals but you should consider starting with a single-family home to gain experience as a landlord and build your network. This way, you can learn the ropes before tackling a larger property.

Also, when investing out-of-state, make sure you establish your Core 4 Real Estate team. This will be the key to achieving your goals.


 I agree with Simon. The other thing to remember is section 8 is great for longterm and guaranteed pay however there are definitely thinks that do get annoying. I have 5 section 8 tenants and each one is very blasé about paying their portion. Some of mine are only $50 so its only $1000 for the year but that $1,000 does mean something and sometimes it comes down to principal. Also the tenants job turnover seems to be much higher. 

I always go with section 8 tenants if I can over regular paying but dont let the sec 8 gurus tell you that everything is always peachy. When you have one tenant not paying their $50 portion it is whatever, but when you have say 6 or 7 and your loosing out on $1000 a month you start noticing it a lot more! 

Just my thought, everything else important Simon points out well, I couldn't deal with it out of state without my team. 


  • Jamie O'Connell
  • User Stats

    337
    Posts
    210
    Votes
    Vadim F.
    • Investor
    210
    Votes |
    337
    Posts
    Vadim F.
    • Investor
    Replied

    Don't drink the S8 kool-aid. Even though I myself have a S8 rental, what you hear online is completely false. C class and lower areas is only where S8 beneficial and that tenant base can be a headache. You will also need a team that knows how to work with CMHA, which in itself is a huge pain to deal with.

    User Stats

    55
    Posts
    39
    Votes
    Brian Jackson
    Pro Member
    • Realtor
    • Akron, OH
    39
    Votes |
    55
    Posts
    Brian Jackson
    Pro Member
    • Realtor
    • Akron, OH
    Replied

    If you plan on going 35 minutes south to Akron let me know! I can help out with information in that market. Currently have 7 doors in Akron but none are being used as S8. As a realtor I have sold many S8 homes and have worked with plenty of S8 investors in the Akron area. Best of luck on your journey!

  • Brian Jackson
  • User Stats

    11
    Posts
    17
    Votes
    Myles Johnson
    • Rental Property Investor
    • Denver, CO
    17
    Votes |
    11
    Posts
    Myles Johnson
    • Rental Property Investor
    • Denver, CO
    Replied

    Hi Asma, Section 8 has been good to me. However, getting a good property manager is crucial. In my opinion, it is the most important part starting out. A good PM will be realistic on what to expect from Section 8 and help you identify properties/neighborhoods that will support your goal. Cross check your realtor's opinion with your PM's and you are off to a decent start.

    User Stats

    251
    Posts
    182
    Votes
    Joseph Bui
    • Rental Property Investor
    • Midwest
    182
    Votes |
    251
    Posts
    Joseph Bui
    • Rental Property Investor
    • Midwest
    Replied

    I've been looking at Cleveland as well. I have 9 doors in Memphis and Detroit and hope to add Cleveland in the near future. I also have section 8 tenants as well and their are definitely pros and cons. Would love to connect and knowledge share if you are interested.

    User Stats

    3,960
    Posts
    2,318
    Votes
    Michael Smythe
    Property Manager
    • Property Manager
    • Metro Detroit
    2,318
    Votes |
    3,960
    Posts
    Michael Smythe
    Property Manager
    • Property Manager
    • Metro Detroit
    Replied

    @Asma Shah check out @James Wise with Holton-Wise.

    Their website has a ton of good & bad info regarding S8.

    • Michael Smythe
    business profile image
    Logical Property Management
    0.0 star
    0 Reviews

    User Stats

    2
    Posts
    1
    Votes
    Replied

    Hey Asma,

    I currently have a SFH with a section-8 tenant under an assignment of contract in 44111 in Cleveland. If you're interested in more details, please feel free to call/text me on 860-807-5661

    User Stats

    6,413
    Posts
    3,666
    Votes
    Bob Stevens
    Pro Member
    • Real Estate Consultant
    • Cleveland
    3,666
    Votes |
    6,413
    Posts
    Bob Stevens
    Pro Member
    • Real Estate Consultant
    • Cleveland
    Replied
    Quote from @Asma Shah:

    Hi, I have read posts in a number of forums about section 8 investing in Cleveland. I am a newcomer to the real estate investment scene in the US (moved here in the pandemic), and I wanted to connect with anyone that has experience with Section 8 investments in Cleveland particularly. I am interested in looking at out of state investment opportunities as the high cost of living in NJ really does make it very investor friendly at the moment. I’m looking for information from experienced investors about areas within other cities & states that are promising for such investments. I'm absolutely clueless, and am looking for anyone who is willing to share their experiences, advice, or point me towards resources that could help in understanding the market better. I would be immensely grateful if you could share your insights on what would be absolutely crucial & invaluable to me as I take my first steps on this journey. Thanks so much in advance!


    I have been working in the Cleveland markets for 10 + years with various govt programs, LOVE IT. I know many investors from around the world including many from Ca that have been as well. The govt programs pay much more then cash tenants. I just got 1700 for a 3 br with an all-in price of 75k!! 900 for a 1 br ( All in about 30k) in the hood, NICE ROI!!

    Good luck 

  • Bob Stevens
  • User Stats

    4
    Posts
    1
    Votes
    Replied

    Do you guys have an inspector that is well versed in sec 8 and could inspect a few properties for me in Cleveland and make a list of things that need to be done to pass the sec 8 inspection?

    User Stats

    6,413
    Posts
    3,666
    Votes
    Bob Stevens
    Pro Member
    • Real Estate Consultant
    • Cleveland
    3,666
    Votes |
    6,413
    Posts
    Bob Stevens
    Pro Member
    • Real Estate Consultant
    • Cleveland
    Replied
    Quote from @Nicholas Jacob Nowosielski:

    Do you guys have an inspector that is well versed in sec 8 and could inspect a few properties for me in Cleveland and make a list of things that need to be done to pass the sec 8 inspection?

     Inspector, never, my guys walk it. I have past 100s and 100s 100s of sec 8 inspections never once using an inspector. 

  • Bob Stevens