All Forum Posts by: Jimmy Lieu

Hey Mark, welcome to BP and congrats on taking the first step — sounds like you’re headed in the right direction with a solid plan! I started my journey a few years ago in Columbus, Ohio and now own 10+ rentals here, including small multifamily, so I can definitely relate to where you’re at. When I was just getting started, I focused on cash flow first — really getting clear on numbers like cap rate and cash-on-cash return (you’re already on the right track there). I’d recommend looking for properties in landlord-friendly, affordable markets with growing job and population trends — places like Columbus still have duplexes and 4-plexes in the $140K–$250K range that can hit the 1% rule and cash flow right out the gate.

Turnkey vs fix-up depends on your bandwidth — if you’re new and not ready to manage a rehab remotely, a more turnkey or light value-add deal might make the most sense to start. Once you build your team (agent, PM, contractor), you can go after more value-add stuff. Looking back, I wish I had gotten into multifamily sooner instead of sticking with single families for so long — the scalability makes a big difference. And the key to making out-of-state work is having a great local property manager and agent who know the neighborhoods and rent comps well. Columbus has been a great market for this strategy — landlord-friendly, solid rents, and big growth thanks to Intel, Amazon, and others expanding here. Happy to connect and answer any questions you have!

Hey Ravi — welcome to BiggerPockets and congrats on inheriting property in Columbus! That’s an awesome head start and even better that you already know the area — that local insight will be super helpful. I live and invest in Columbus and have built up a portfolio of 10+ rentals here over the past few years. This city’s been on fire with job growth, tons of development (Intel, Amazon, Google, etc.), and still has strong rent demand with price points that allow for solid cash flow and appreciation.

If some of your properties need work, there’s definitely opportunity to add value through light rehabs or strategic upgrades, especially if they’re in B or C+ neighborhoods. As for management, there are a few solid property management companies here that specialize in single-family and small multi-families — and a lot depends on how hands-on you want to be, what software you use, and how many doors you’re managing. Some owners like to self-manage using tools like Hemlane or Innago if they want tighter control, especially if they’re familiar with Columbus like you are.

If you’re thinking of expanding or doing a 1031 exchange, Columbus still has opportunities to find properties that hit the 1% rule and are located in growth areas. Happy to connect and share more details if you’re looking for recommendations or a second set of eyes on neighborhoods or potential value-add strategies. Let me know how I can help!

Hey Melissa — welcome to BiggerPockets and that's awesome you're based in Columbus! You've already got a huge head start with your background as a real estate paralegal — that kind of experience is super valuable, especially when it comes to understanding contracts, closings, and title work. Columbus is an amazing place to get started in investing too — I moved here in 2020 and now own 10+ rentals locally. The market here has been booming with job growth, population growth, and big companies moving in like Intel, Google, Amazon, Honda, and more. Plus, it's still affordable enough to find properties in the $130K–$180K range that cash flow and hit the 1% rule, especially in B- or C+ neighborhoods. If you're just starting out, I'd suggest figuring out your goals (cash flow vs appreciation vs flips), picking a property type to focus on (SFH, duplex, etc.), and then start networking locally — there are lots of Columbus investors active right here on BP. Happy to connect and answer any questions you have as you get going!

Hey Keaton, welcome to BP and props to you for getting that first house hack under your belt — that’s a huge step and not something most people your age are doing! Totally hear you on being uneasy about out-of-state investing. It can definitely feel intimidating at first, but with the right systems and team in place, it becomes way more manageable. I actually moved from Portland to Columbus, Ohio back in 2020 to start investing and now own 10+ rentals here. What’s made it work — especially for out-of-state investors I work with — is building a strong local team: investor-friendly agent, reliable property manager, contractor, and a good lender. Once you trust your team and have clear buy criteria (like rent-to-price ratio, neighborhoods, school zones, etc.), you don’t need to be there in person for every step.

If you’re looking for a place to get started, Columbus is worth a serious look. You can still find deals in the $130K–$180K range that hit the 1% rule, it’s landlord-friendly, and there’s strong rent and population growth with massive investments from companies like Intel, Amazon, Google, and Honda. I’d recommend picking 1–2 cities, researching them deeply, and networking with other investors or agents who are active there — it’ll give you a lot more confidence when it comes time to pull the trigger. Happy to connect and answer any questions you have!

Great question — and welcome to BP Hiyun! I totally get the concern, especially with all the recent talk about potential HUD funding cuts. While it's something to monitor, Section 8 (or the Housing Choice Voucher Program) has been around for decades and has historically remained pretty stable even through different administrations. Even when budgets are tight, Section 8 tends to stay funded because it serves such a large population and plays a key role in housing stability. That said, there can sometimes be delays in inspections or voucher processing during budget negotiations, so it's smart to build in some flexibility if you're relying heavily on that income.

That being said, Section 8 can still be a great play for newer investors — especially if you're investing in cash-flow markets like Ohio, Alabama, or Tennessee. I live and invest in Columbus, Ohio and own 10+ rentals here — including several Section 8 properties. The rents are predictable, tenants stay longer, and the housing authority deposits rent on time every month (even when market tenants might not). Columbus is also a landlord-friendly city with growing demand, lots of new development (Intel, Google, Amazon, etc.), and it’s still possible to find homes in the $130K–$180K range that cash flow and hit the 1% rule. If you're going to pursue Section 8, just make sure you’re buying in solid neighborhoods with good schools and amenities — not just going for the cheapest zip codes.

Overall, I wouldn’t let the funding concerns stop you — but like any strategy, go in educated and with a solid local team (agent, PM, etc.). Happy to connect and answer any questions you have about Section 8 or investing in Ohio!

Hey Mishaal, welcome to BiggerPockets — and love that you're diving into the journey early with some time to prep! It’s totally okay to have a few unknowns right now — that’s what this community is here for. Since you're leaning toward a more passive approach, looking into turnkey properties with property management is a smart route, especially if you're open to out-of-state investing. I’m based in Columbus, Ohio and started with just a couple rentals back in 2020 — now I own 10+ doors here — and we’ve had a ton of out-of-state investors come into this market for exactly the reasons you mentioned: affordable pricing (you can still find deals between $130K–$180K), strong rent demand, landlord-friendly laws, and big-time job and population growth (think Intel, Google, Amazon, Honda all investing billions into this area).

As for how much to save — if you're buying a turnkey rental with financing, I'd aim for 20–25% down plus another 5–10% for closing costs and some reserves. So realistically, having $35K–$50K saved puts you in a strong position to pick up a solid SFH in the Midwest. You can also explore markets like Indianapolis or parts of Florida, but cash flow tends to be strongest in Midwest cities like Columbus, Cleveland, or Pittsburgh.

In the next 12 months, I'd suggest focusing on building your investing criteria (budget, location, property type), lining up financing (even if you’re just exploring your options), and networking with investor-friendly agents or turnkey providers in your target market. And definitely keep an eye on rent-to-value ratios — your goal is a property that at least gets close to the 1% rule so the numbers make sense even with PM involved. Happy to connect and answer any questions you have about the Columbus market or next steps in general!

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!