All Forum Posts by: Daniel Judge

@Taylor L. I've seen this criticism of Columbus a couple times on here (that it is suspect because someone considers it part of the Rust Belt). I am happy to see any competition choose other cities/regions to make things a bit easier here on the local little guys like myself, but Columbus is a very modern city with incredible job diversity. Manufacturing jobs are definitely a piece of the overall jobs pie in Columbus, but the sector represents a smaller portion of the overall jobs makeup in comparison to the rest of the US. It's actually only the 7th biggest job sector in the Columbus metro area (think instead of education, government, healthcare, business services, utilities, transportation, etc):

https://www.clevelandfed.org/en/newsroom-and-events/publications/metro-mix/columbus/mm-201911-columbus.aspx

It also doesn't feel like a rust belt city. I've lived in Cleveland and you can drive around that city and see the remnants of past industry (I actually think it gives Cleveland a lot of its character, so not intended as a criticism). You don't get that same vibe in Columbus at all (with some saying Columbus doesn't have as much identity/character as other cities because of all of the development that's taken place in recent years). 

Regarding the repairs issue, she could notify the landlord via certified letter and then use the rent escrow process available to all tenants: https://cohhio.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Escrow-Franklin-County.pdf The intent is to get a delinquent landlord to make needed repairs. I don't know how usual it is, but I was able to use this process with an especially bad landlord to get out of a lease a few years back and with full deposit returned. You can use an attorney, but the process is pretty straightforward.

Welcome! Appreciate the work you do with the awesome library service we've got here in Columbus! Also, appreciate the good taste - Decemberists are solid. 

Try Zen Windows, they were great to work with. I was able to get 27 windows at a cost of $483 per (that included a 5% discount due to being an Angie's List member). 

That's a great deal you got. No right or wrong answer. I have a similar goal of keeping as many properties as I can to replace my current pay. I faced a similar crossroads with my first property, which I was BRRRRing. I decided to hold on. Getting access to all that capital can be very appealing, but I've instead decided to put a HELOC on the property, which is kinda a middle path. Might be a good option for you as well (keep the deal, but access that equity).

PM's sent!

I'll PM you with the guy I use. He is a REI focused CPA with reasonable fees.

@Xavier Randall, I'll be honest in stating that I'm probably not the best person to answer that question. I have only ever taken a cursory look at the Cinci/N Kentucky area and listened to others share their experiences. It seems like there's lot's to like about it in terms of diversified employers, affordable inventory, etc. My overall impression is that Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Columbus exist on a spectrum between cash flow and appreciation and in that order (Cleveland being on one extreme that offers the best cash flow, Columbus being on the other extreme that offers the best opportunity for appreciation, and Cincinnati being somewhere in between). All three markets have their appeal. But someone else on here would be much more qualified giving you a true market comparison and be able to answer your question about metrics that would speak to stability. 

@TJ Addison I would also be interested in hearing more about your BRRRR deal. Numbers, anything you'd be willing to share.

Hey @TJ Addison, thanks for responding! We were probably together on campus for a few years - I graduated in '02. Probably know some people in common and could catch up on that as well.

Sounds like you're doing fantastic in the real estate game. I'm sitting at two doors right now and hoping to get up to around 10 to help supplement an earlier retirement. 

What areas of town have you had the most success in and where are you trying your first BRRRR (best of luck with that project!) Have you found your contractor and, if so, how difficult was it to find a good one in Lincoln? A good contractor is one of the the most difficult pieces of the puzzle here. Would also be interested in hearing about how you have sourced your deals and if there are any virtual meet ups or groups that you might recommend. Thanks!