All Forum Posts by: Gamal Harding

Hi Mary, we’re real estate brokers as well. Happy to connect with you. 

@Rebeca Moreno Welcome to the Bigger Pockets community! It's fantastic that you're looking to purchase a multi-family or duplex unit in the Columbus area for a medium rehab project. You've definitely come to the right place to find resources and connections.

Here, you'll find several knowledgeable and experienced agents who can help guide you in securing the right property. Additionally, it's a good idea to connect with a Property Manager early on. They can offer valuable insights into the local market, potential rental yields, and specific considerations for a rehab project like the one you're planning. A Property Manager can also assist with understanding local regulations and the practical aspects of property management, ensuring you make a well-informed decision.

Feel free to share more about your specific needs. I'm sure many here, including myself, would be happy to discuss potential opportunities with you. Looking forward to hearing more about your investment journey!

Anduril Industries' Expansion to Columbus: A Transformative Move for Real Estate Investors

Anduril Industries, a prominent defense technology company based in Costa Mesa, California, has announced plans to establish a new manufacturing facility in Pickaway County, near Rickenbacker International Airport. This move, representing a $900 million investment and the creation of 4,000 new jobs by 2035, positions Columbus, Ohio, at the forefront of technological and economic growth. As real estate investors and property owners, understanding the broader implications of this development will be key to navigating the opportunities it presents.

Anduril Industries and Its Expansion Plans

Anduril Industries specializes in advanced defense technology, including artificial intelligence, robotics, and autonomous systems. Their decision to expand into Ohio is not just a strategic move for the company but a significant boon for the local economy. The new facility, dubbed "Arsenal 1," will encompass 5 million square feet and is expected to start manufacturing operations by July 2026. This development is part of a broader trend that sees Columbus evolving into the "Silicon Heartland," with other major players like Intel and Honda already establishing significant operations in the region.

Economic Impact and Job Creation

The arrival of Anduril is poised to become the largest job-creation project in Ohio's history, with the company planning to hire 4,000 employees. This influx of high-paying jobs (averaging $60 per hour) is expected to draw a significant number of professionals to the area, boosting demand for housing and various services. JobsOhio projects that, indirectly, approximately 4,500 additional jobs will be created by 2035, further amplifying this effect.

Implications for Real Estate Demand

The substantial increase in the workforce will drive demand for both rental and owner-occupied housing. Property investors can anticipate appreciating property values and heightened demand in residential markets close to the new facility. Moreover, the economic ripple effect will likely increase the need for commercial properties, including retail spaces, offices, and support services for the new facility and its employees.

Strategic Investment Opportunities

For real estate investors, the strategic implication is clear: now is the opportune time to invest in Columbus. The projected growth in the local population and economy creates a fertile ground for both residential and commercial real estate development and acquisition. Whether it’s developing new housing complexes or refurbishing existing ones for higher-end rentals, the opportunities for capitalizing on this growth are vast.

The decision by Anduril Industries to set up shop in Columbus is a game-changer, signaling a major shift in the city's economic landscape that savvy investors should not overlook. As Columbus cements its reputation as a tech hub, the ongoing and planned investments by major tech firms are likely to ensure long-term growth in the local real estate market. For those looking to expand or diversify their real estate portfolio, Columbus offers a compelling case for investment.

Hope this provides some insightful value to those on the fence of investing in Columbus Ohio

@Kyle Neimeister- please send me a message with what you have. Thanks.

@Michael Smythe Great processes Michael!

Hey @Tyler Speelman- 

2 options to consider:

1. Seller finance the property- ask for an up front, non-refundable down payment of $XXX (which could be used as his primary residence down payment), payments of $X over X years at X interest rate with a balloon payment in X years

2. Take out an equity line of credit on the property that can be sides as the down payment for the primary residence. They may need to be careful on this one as that may impact his DTI ratio. if his income is strong enough and not as much debt, he should be OK

Hope that helps..

@Doug Kirk Similar to @Remington Lyman, I also use Ohio Real Title and they're great to work with (I have no affiliation)

@Sachin Amin Reach out to me directly. We're in the process doing a build to rent property. Land already acquired and we're breaking ground in the Spring.

I wanted to share some key insights from Rentometer’s analysis of over 5 million rental searches in 2024. The findings are particularly interesting for those focused on the Columbus, Ohio market, which topped the list for both two-bedroom and three-bedroom rental searches.

The report also notes a shift towards more apartment searches, influenced by the scarcity of single-family homes and rising interest rates. Here’s a deeper dive into what’s shaping rental trends:

Would love to hear your strategies and perspectives, especially if you’re active in the Columbus market!

@Michael Smythe - Agreed it is all basic stuff to you and I in the field of PM. For others that don't do this day to day, it may not be so basic.

We use FINDIGS. A third party company that integrates with our system. Some company paystubs have specific characteristics that are embedded in the document that make them a bit different. There software can tract really small differences in what's presented and what it should be. To be transparent, there is not 100% full proof way of preventing fraud. We can only do the best we can trying to beat the fraudsters by leveraging tools.

Regarding fake SSN the screening services picks up on mismatches. If we sense there is a red flag, were asking them to upload additional documents like tax returns w2's etc. Social Security also has a consent based ssn verification process where a SSN can be verified with the parties consent.

Again, we can never be 100% full proof but we can stay on top of the latest ways to mitigate the fraudsters at their game.

How are you catching fakes? Paystubs, SSNs and others?