All Forum Posts by: Jimmy Lieu

Hey Ian, welcome to BP! You’re in a great spot with $70K–$80K in cash and a willingness to build a remote team — that’s exactly how a lot of successful out-of-state investors get started. Based on your goals, I’d strongly recommend looking into Columbus, Ohio. I moved here from Portland in 2020 to start investing and now own 10+ rentals in the area. Columbus checks a lot of the boxes: strong population and job growth, huge corporate investment (Intel, Google, Amazon, Honda, Microsoft, etc.), and a price point that still allows BRRRRs or value-add deals in the $130K–$180K range. You can still find properties that meet or get close to the 1% rule with cash flow after expenses — even with property management.

At your price point, SFHs and smaller duplexes are the most realistic and manageable for long-distance BRRRRs, especially in Midwest markets like Columbus, Indianapolis, or parts of Pennsylvania. Some folks also explore mobile homes or small mixed-use commercial, but those can be trickier unless you already have boots on the ground.

When screening out-of-market deals, key things I'd watch for: tenant and landlord laws (stay in landlord-friendly states), reliable contractor and PM availability, school district and rent demand, and local development or employer growth. For analysis, I like using Rentometer to gauge market rents, and DealCheck or BP's own calculators for quick numbers. To find deals, lean into investor-focused agents and wholesalers — a lot of the best BRRRR deals never hit the MLS.

Happy to connect and share more if Columbus ends up on your radar — it’s been an awesome market to scale in. Let me know how I can help!

Hey Myoungsu, welcome to BP — and big congrats to you and your wife on graduating and being in such a strong financial position early on! Both of your options have solid logic behind them, and it really comes down to your comfort level, long-term goals, and how active you want to be in managing real estate right now.

Option 1 (buying a multifamily and house hacking) is a great way to keep living expenses low while building equity and getting hands-on experience. In Boston that’ll likely mean dealing with higher prices, more regulation, and a more tenant-friendly environment — which can work, but it’s important to know what you’re signing up for. The upside is you’re close to the property and building wealth through appreciation while learning the ropes.

Option 2 opens the door to more cash flow potential. Buying a more affordable primary and then investing out-of-state could allow your inherited funds to go further — especially if you target landlord-friendly, cash-flowing markets. I moved from Portland to Columbus, Ohio in 2020 and now own 10+ rentals here. It’s still one of the few markets where you can find long-term rentals between $130K–$180K that hit the 1% rule and cash flow right away. Plus, Columbus is seeing huge job and population growth with companies like Intel, Amazon, Google, Honda, and more moving in. I’ve worked with a lot of out-of-state investors here, and with the right team (agent, PM, lender), it’s very doable without needing to live nearby.

Another thing to think about: you could even combine both strategies by house hacking now, then pulling equity or saving up to buy out-of-state in 12–18 months. Either way, you’re in a great spot with capital, income, and a thoughtful approach. Happy to connect and answer any questions you have!

Hey John, welcome to BP — totally get where you're coming from. A lot of new investors are hitting that same wall right now with high interest rates and rising prices making it tough to find properties that cash flow, especially just using Zillow or Redfin. It's not that you're doing anything wrong — the truth is that most MLS deals in today's market don't cash flow right out of the gate unless you're targeting the right markets, getting creative, or digging off-market.

One market you might want to consider is Columbus, Ohio. I moved here from Portland in 2020 and now own 10+ rentals, and I’ve helped a lot of out-of-state investors find solid long-term rentals here that still hit the 1% rule. Columbus is landlord-friendly, still relatively affordable (you can find good deals in the $130K–$180K range), and it’s growing fast with massive development from Intel, Google, Amazon, Honda, and more. It’s one of those rare spots where you can still cash flow and ride the appreciation wave.

If you're only looking on-market, the best deals often go quick — or they need a little work to bring them to cash flow levels. That's where off-market deals, agent networks, and direct-to-seller strategies come in. You can also look into value-add deals where rents are under market or where a light rehab can boost cash flow. Another tip: connect with investor-friendly agents who work with BRRRR or out-of-state clients — they often have leads before they hit the MLS.

You're not alone — this market is tougher, but there’s still opportunity out there with the right approach. Happy to connect and answer any questions you have!

Hey Shyla, welcome to BP and love your energy — sounds like you’re diving in the right way and setting yourself up for long-term success! BPCon is honestly an incredible event, especially for someone just starting out. I’ve been, and it was 100% worth it. The sessions are packed with practical strategies, and even more valuable are the people you meet — agents, lenders, investors, and other newbies just like you who could end up being partners, accountability buddies, or part of your long-term network. If you're planning to invest out of state (especially from a market like LA), it’s a great way to meet folks in cash-flow markets you might want to explore. For example, I moved from Portland to Columbus, Ohio back in 2020 and now own 10+ rentals here — and honestly, a lot of connections and insights from BP helped make that possible. Columbus is still super affordable (you can find deals in the $130K–$180K range that hit the 1% rule), and it's growing fast with companies like Intel, Amazon, Google, and Honda pouring billions into the area. If you do go to BPCon, be ready to take notes like crazy and don’t be afraid to introduce yourself — it’s a super welcoming community. Happy to connect and answer any questions you have!

Hey Dion, welcome to BP! That’s exciting you’re looking to invest in Ohio — I’m based in Columbus and own 10+ rentals here, and we’ve had quite a few international investors (including from Europe) buy here successfully. It’s a very landlord-friendly market with strong cash flow potential, especially in the $130K–$180K range, and there’s been a ton of economic growth with companies like Intel, Amazon, and Google moving in.

As for the tax structure — you're absolutely right, finding someone who understands both the U.S. and Dutch tax systems is key. You're definitely not the only Dutch investor doing this, and while I don't personally know a Dutch-American tax lawyer, I've seen other international investors have success by first finding a U.S.-based CPA or real estate attorney who specializes in foreign investors (especially those familiar with FIRPTA, LLC setups, and withholding requirements), and then asking if they've worked with Dutch clients before or are willing to collaborate with your accountant in Holland. You can also check with international law firms that have offices both in the U.S. and Europe, or post directly in international investor subforums here on BP — people are usually very generous with referrals. If you're planning to set up an LLC, trust, or more complex entity structure, definitely loop your Dutch accountant in early so everyone's aligned. Happy to connect and answer any questions you have about investing in Columbus or navigating this from overseas!

Hey Alex, welcome to BP! That’s awesome you’re looking into Section 8 — it can be a really solid and stable strategy, especially in markets like Ohio. I’m based in Columbus and own 10+ rentals here, and we’ve seen a lot of investors do well with Section 8 because the rent payments are consistent and you often get higher-than-market rates in certain zip codes. The key is definitely finding an investor-friendly agent who understands how to evaluate properties based on local voucher amounts and can help you avoid areas with higher tenant turnover or inspection delays. One tip is to search for agents who work with out-of-state investors or specialize in cash-flow properties — those folks usually have Section 8 experience or can refer you to someone who does. You can also call local property managers who handle Section 8 units and ask who they see closing investor deals — that’s often a quick way to find someone legit. If you're looking in Columbus or nearby cities, I’m happy to share what areas tend to work best and what rents we’re seeing. Section 8 can absolutely work — it just takes the right team and solid due diligence upfront. Happy to connect and answer any questions you have!

Hey Mordechai, welcome to BP! Totally hear you — living abroad adds some layers, but it's definitely possible to pull off the BRRRR strategy remotely if you set it up right. The key is going to be building a rock-solid team on the ground: an investor-friendly agent who understands BRRRR, a trustworthy contractor (this part is critical), and a reliable property manager who can also help coordinate during the rehab phase. I actually moved from Portland to Columbus, Ohio back in 2020 to build my portfolio and now own 10+ rentals here — and I've helped several out-of-state and international investors buy here successfully without ever stepping foot in town. Columbus is one of the few markets where you can still find BRRRR-worthy deals in the $130K–$180K range, the rent-to-price ratios make sense, and it's landlord-friendly with strong appreciation and job growth thanks to companies like Intel, Google, Amazon, and Honda.

The buying process (with a great agent, title company, and lender) can all be done virtually — many investors close over Zoom, sign docs remotely, and wire funds. For rehab, if you’re not flying in, make sure you’ve got a GC who’s comfortable providing updates with video, invoices, and timelines — and consider hiring a local boots-on-the-ground person just to do walkthroughs and keep contractors accountable. It’s all about the team and communication. If you’re organized and have the right people, it’s 100% doable from overseas. Happy to connect and answer any questions you have!

Are you considering real estate investing in Ohio but can't decide between Columbus and Cleveland? This comprehensive comparison breaks down the pros and cons of both markets to help you make the right investment decision!

🎯 What You'll Learn:

Columbus Ohio Real Estate Market:

✅ Aggressive population and job growth

✅ Major companies moving in (Intel $26B project, Honda, Amazon, Google, Microsoft)

✅ 60% appreciation in 5 years (12% annually!)

✅ Still hits the 1% rule with positive cash flow

✅ Budget-friendly entry point ($120K-$180K single family)

✅ Quick 30-day eviction process

Cleveland Ohio Real Estate Market:

✅ Exceptional cash flow potential (2% rule achievable)

✅ Ultra-low entry prices ($30K-$40K properties available)

✅ Better rent-to-price ratios

✅ Landlord-friendly laws

💰 Investment Strategy Recommendations:

Choose Columbus if you want: Balanced cash flow + strong appreciation, macroeconomic growth, long-term wealth building

Choose Cleveland if you want: Maximum cash flow, tight budget entry, immediate returns

🏘️ Key Market Insights:

✅ Columbus average home price: $264K (up from $160K five years ago)

✅ Cleveland properties available from $30K-$40K

✅ Ohio's landlord-friendly eviction laws (30-45 days max)

✅ Columbus: Top 3-5 in national real estate market rankings

📞 Ready to Invest in Ohio Real Estate?

📱 Subscribe for more real estate tips!

Related Tags -

- BRRRR

- Buy and hold

- Flip

- Short Term Rental

- Mid Term Rental

- STR / MTR

- Out of state investing

- OOS investing

• Real Estate Education
• Real Estate Consulting
• Property Analysis
• Buyer Agent & Brokerage Representation
• Seller Agent & Brokerage Representation

- FSBO Property Sales & Marketing

• Property Management
• General Contracting
• New Construction
• Investor Financing
• Lender Financing
• Seller Financing
• Title Work
• Property Insurance
• Section 8 Consulting

Hit me up to talk or network about investing in the following markets!

• Cleveland, Ohio
• Columbus, Ohio
• Akron, Ohio
• Canton, Ohio
• Cincinnati, Ohio
• Dayton, Ohio

Hey Victor, welcome to BP! Great questions — and you're definitely not alone in looking out of state for better returns, especially with how pricey many local markets have gotten. Buying out of state and holding long-term rentals can absolutely be a good idea, as long as you're strategic about the market and build a solid local team (agent, property manager, contractors, etc.). I actually moved from Portland to Columbus, Ohio in 2020 to start investing and now own 10+ rentals here. Columbus is one of the markets where out-of-state investing really works — it’s landlord-friendly, still affordable (you can find properties in the $130K–$180K range that cash flow and hit the 1% rule), and there’s strong job and population growth with major companies like Intel, Google, Amazon, and Honda expanding here.

As for using your $60K in home equity, the two most common routes are a HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) or a cash-out refinance. A HELOC gives you flexibility — it works more like a credit card with interest-only payments during the draw period, and it's great for short-term funding like down payments, rehab costs, or a BRRRR strategy. A cash-out refi replaces your current mortgage with a new one and gives you a lump sum — usually better if you want to lock in a lower rate and use the funds all at once. It really comes down to your comfort level with monthly payments, risk tolerance, and how you plan to use the money. Happy to connect and answer any questions you have — you're off to a great start!

Hey Gal, welcome to BP! That’s an exciting place to be, and you’re absolutely right — getting a solid handle on market analysis is such a key first step. One thing I’d say right away is to focus on aligning your investing strategy with your goals. If your main goal is strong cash flow and you’re finding that Chicago’s numbers aren’t penciling out (especially with higher prices and tenant-friendly laws), it might make sense to look out of state — a lot of investors are doing that right now. I actually moved from Portland to Columbus, Ohio in 2020 to start investing and now own 10+ rentals here. Columbus has been a great market for both cash flow and appreciation, and it’s still landlord-friendly with properties in the $130K–$180K range that can hit the 1% rule if you’re buying smart.

As far as market analysis, start with basic fundamentals: job growth, population growth, rent-to-price ratios, and local laws. Look at sites like Rentometer, City-Data, and even just Zillow or Redfin for neighborhood trends. Then compare rental comps to what properties are selling for to see if the 1% rule or positive cash flow is realistic. Also, don’t be afraid to talk to local agents or PMs — they can offer insights into tenant demand and red flags in certain areas. Managing locally has some advantages early on, but with a strong team in place, out-of-state investing is definitely doable — and in many cases, necessary to hit your numbers. Happy to connect and answer any questions you have!