Can i buy you lunch?

Question

Hi everyone!

I'm new to BP and the US market in general and at present focusing on buying some homes in the Columbus market.

Planning to fly up there on the 24th of August (or so) and staying for 3 days at this stage.

Is there anyone that is really experienced in the Columbus market that would be able to spare a couple of hours to discuss the market and teach me some things?

I'm meeting with some realtors already so would prefer investors but am open to anyone.

I'd be happy to buy lunch in return anywhere you like.

Most importantly i need someone that can be objective about things - here's what i mean.

If i'm looking at a property that you would never buy, i need the advice to be along the lines of: personally, i wouldn't buy it because of x,y,z or it doesn't fit my strategy because of a,b,c etc

But, you could buy it, however you would need to be aware of / mitigate a,b,c and so on.

Most people will just say no, don't do it or yes do it but can't really articulate why - it's all down to personal preference. Now, are there times where NOOO don't do it! applies? yes of course, but it needs to be articulated.

I found a great realtor in Colorado that is coming close to the end of his career. He only buys good properties in good locations. Why? because he doesn't want the headaches that come with worse areas and lower quality tenants. But, he can have a conversation objectively about those lower grade properties and what would / would not work.

Lastly, need someone that can go through the areas on a map and tell me which areas are good and which aren't. A lot of realtors won't have that conversation. They will just say that there is good and bad everywhere. It normally takes a few meetings before someone will be honest about where to go and where to stay away from and that kills me! I understand there may be legal things but there are tactful ways to point things out without getting in trouble.

Apologies for the long rant but i just don't want to meet with someone that doesn't fit the above as there won't be enough time.

Thanks all - appreciate any help / advice you can provide.

Rudi

Brian J Peterson · Answer

Account Closed,

If it's not too much to ask, I'd like to see some of that geographical info you've got on Chicago, thanks in advance!

Account Closed · Answer

That's awesome Brad much appreciated! I'd love to take you up on your offer.

It's will be either the 24th or 25th August - which works better for you?

Account Closed · Answer

Thanks Bryan.  I was planning on making a drive to Cincinnati while there so if are available, even for a just a coffee, I'd appreciate the opportunity to meet.

Account Closed · Answer

Hi Wendell

Appreciate the response.  I'm really focused on cash flow rather than appreciation at the moment. Not to say I wouldn't take it if I could get it but I have other things growing for me that I need to feed with cash flow :)

Absolutely open to hearing about anything you have going that might be mutually beneficial.

Thanks for the response!

Rudi

Tristam Griffith · Answer

Hi Rudi.

I'm a licensed Realtor in Columbus, Ohio. I work with investors all the time and know the city well. I own rentals, do flips, etc.. myself.

Although a Realtor can't legally tell you if an area is good/bad, we can certainly tell you where we buy/sell and tell you our experiences. We can also tell you what areas command what amount in terms of rent.

Columbus crime is detailed on this web-site:

http://www.raidsonline.com/

No need to call the police department, or have to take someones word for it. You can put any address in the county in and get crime reports. It is VERY helpful when looking at different areas of town. I use it daily.

I would be happy to meet with while you are in Columbus.

Best regards,

Tristam Griffith

Brad Clarizio · Answer

Hi Rudi,

I'd be interested in meeting  up (regardless of lunch). I own a number of SFH/Duplexes in Columbus. Since I'm not yet a licensed agent, I'd be happy to share my perspective. I've been in Columbus all my life (26 years), so I can give you context around areas to target and areas to avoid, pending your goals.

I have a full time job, so let me know the day and I can ensure I have 1-2 hours cleared out for lunch.

Thanks,

Brad

Bryan Blankenship · Answer

I work the entire state of Ohio (and many other states) and we do far more volume in Cinci and Dayton than in Columbus.  We are based in Cinci or I'd offer to help you out on this request!RE agents aren't really allowed to comment on a good/bad area too much as they can easily be sued for saying an area is good, and then a robbery happens next door a week later and the buyer is ticked off.

Wendell De Guzman · Answer

Rudi,

Why are you interested in Columbus, Ohio?

Are you open to other cities?

I am based in Chicago, IL and I love it for short-term appreciation plays like fix-n-flip and rent to own. I can show you a map with places to AVOID and the best exit strategies (rehab, wholesale or rent to own) in each zip code.

I also like Cincinnati, Ohio for cashflow. I have 2 real estate investor-partners I've worked with there since 2005.