Investing in Cincinnati / Dayton, OHIO?

[Karim Shah]

Hi Guys,

Does any know what the rental market is like int he Cincinnati / Dayton market? I've come across a number of deals in these cities and would like to get opinions before I head down there?

[DL Martin]

Originally posted by @Ben Skove:

Karim Shah For some reason this has been a tough summer for property crime...there has really been a spike that I've seen. The police response has been frustrating at times.

Hi Ben;

Real Estate investor beware when buying properties in the City of Cincinnati.

Property Crimes in Cincinnati will NEVER decrease. They will only increase. But don't blame Cincinnati PD.  Blame the Cincinnati City Council(s) over the last twenty years or so. Why?? Because, believe it or not, the city of Cincinnati has no city jail. LOL! 

The Cincinnati city manager has over 1,300 sworn police officers on the payroll but no city jail. All "quality of life" offenses (drinking in public, public urination, aggressive panhandling, graffiti, vandalism, trespassing, loitering for the purpose of engaging in drug sales etc.) and non-violent property crimes like petty theft, low grade burglary, low grade vehicle theft, low grade receiving stolen property, etc, RESULT IN NO JAIL TIME. 

The Hamilton county sheriff does not have room in his jail to book/house subjects whom have been arrested for misdemeanor offenses. Even if it is a Felony, but is classified as a non-violent Felony, then the subject is cited/released. The Sheriff releases almost all non-violent Felons" pre-trial" without even posting bail. What this means is that they are "booked" and then released in four to six hours after "promising" to show up for their assigned court date.  : )

I guess what I am trying to say, is understand what you are getting into when leaving properties vacant during rehab anywhere, but especially in the City of Cincinnati. 

There are plenty of fishermen (police officers) but, because the Cincinnati City Council has refused to do their duty (build a city jail) its all "catch and release."

DL