All Forum Posts by: Evan Hopple

@Matt Ricky

Cincinnati’s got a stronger economy, and you can see that in the real estate prices. Dayton has lower entry pricing, and I tend to find way more deals with solid margins there compared to Cincinnati.

@Ben Callahan

I've seen a lot of investors from California find success in the Ohio market. Columbus is a strong option where you can find properties with favorable rent-to-price ratios for cash flow, while also benefiting from business expansion and population growth that drive long-term appreciation. 

@Melissa Vass Scott

I’ve lived in both places, and they’re fun places to live with a lot to offer. Cincinnati has more history and an established feel, while Columbus is growing fast and has a lot of energy. Between the two, the real estate pricing is similar, but the investment landscape is very different. 

Cincinnati is one of Ohio’s oldest cities, and its economy is well-diversified, with five Fortune 500 companies headquartered in the city (Kroger and Procter & Gamble are the top 2). The area is relatively stable, and the housing market tends to be less volatile. 

Columbus has the largest company in the state, Cardinal Health. Over the past decade, Columbus has attracted substantial investment from tech giants like Intel, Google, Amazon, and Facebook, which have collectively committed over $50 billion to developing data centers and semiconductor manufacturing facilities in the area. These investments in the area are expected to create tens of thousands of new direct and indirect jobs and further accelerate population growth and housing demand. 

You won't find many seller-financing deals here, so if you're looking to scale quickly, your next best option is the BRRRR method—using cash or hard money to acquire properties and DSCR loans to refinance into.

Ohio has plenty of good options under $200k for single family homes and small multifamily. Columbus is the strongest growth market out of the Ohio cities you mentioned, driven by significant business expansion. You can read more about it here: https://www.bridgemi.com/business-watch/what-michigan-can-le....

Regardless of which market you choose to invest in, it's important to understand the area well and identify neighborhoods on the rise. An investor-friendly agent will be able to help you locate these areas. Even in a city with a declining overall population, there are still pockets experiencing growth that can be good options.

@Nataly Naim

Old Brooklyn, Brooklyn Centre, Jefferson, Cudell, Fairfax, and Garfield Heights all have good options in that price range. 

I have a graded neighborhood map that I can share to give you a better feel for the area. 

Hi Otis, when partnering on real estate, it’s important to set clear roles, contributions, and profit splits upfront. An operating agreement is key to avoiding confusion, and working with a CPA or attorney can help protect both sides.

Are you looking for a passive partner or someone more hands-on?  

PM fees in Ohio typically range between 8–10% of gross income. Some companies also charge a leasing fee (around half to one month’s rent) for placing new tenants. Let me know if you need recommendations!

Hey @Danny Goss, welcome to BP! 

The right investment strategy depends on your risk tolerance and available time, especially when partnering with family. The BRRRR strategy is doable for a newer investor, but it requires a lot of effort, consistency, and hands-on involvement—it's not exactly a passive way to invest.

Whichever route you choose, if you're taking on the bulk of the work to analyze deals and select the best ones, it’s important to ensure your partnership reflects the time and energy you’re putting in. A clear operating agreement from the start is key to keeping on the same page. 

But yes, good value add deals are out there. Good luck!

Hey @Matt Powers, 

I’ve lived in Columbus, OH, for the last four years, and it’s a fun city with a growing population and a strong job market. Short-term rentals are popular around the downtown area and surrounding neighborhoods, mid-term rentals are common to target traveling nurses and doctors from health facilities like Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

I’ve also spent time living in Cincinnati and it has a lot of unique character. It doesn’t feel as “Midwest” as Columbus does, with a more distinct vibe. Cincinnati is a well-established city supported by five Fortune 500 companies, which sustains a strong local economy.