All Forum Posts by: Marc Rice

Hey everyone,

I’m based in Oxford, MS and currently exploring my first out-of-state rental investment, with Columbus, OH catching my attention as a potential hot spot. From what I’ve seen in other posts and market research, Columbus seems to have solid rental demand and relatively affordable entry prices, especially compared to many other metro areas.

Here’s my current situation:

• I own one property here in Oxford that was our primary residence for 2 of the past 5 years.

• It’s currently on the market for sale, and we’re estimating around $160K–$180K in equity.

• Since it was our primary for 2+ years, we’re hoping to avoid capital gains tax using the IRS exemption.

• If it doesn't sell, we're looking into options to pull out some of that equity (HELOC, cash-out refi, etc.) to reinvest and grow our rental portfolio. Currently we have a 5.375% interest rate.

My goal is to use this capital to pick up a rental or two in a market with good long-term potential, and Columbus keeps coming up as a solid choice.

I’d love to connect with:

• Anyone investing in the Columbus area — What neighborhoods should I be looking at?

• Other out-of-state investors — What advice do you have for managing properties from afar?

• Agents, wholesalers, or PMs with local knowledge — I’m open to deals or partnerships if they make sense.

Appreciate any input, stories, or recommendations. Just trying to build smart and learn from those who’ve been there.

Thanks!

— Ryan

Hey BP Community,

I'm an out-of-state investor currently researching the Dayton, Ohio market and looking to connect with folks who are actively investing there. I’d love to hear about your experience—especially from those who started out remotely.

Some specific things I’m hoping to learn more about:

How you narrowed in on Dayton and specific neighborhoods/submarkets

What your process was like buying from out of state (due diligence, finding your team, etc.)

Any recommendations for reliable property management companies

Tips on choosing the right insurance provider for rentals in the area

Any lessons learned or things you wish you knew before getting started

If you’re open to chatting or sharing your story, I’d really appreciate it. Always happy to return the favor and share anything I’ve learned along the way, too!

Thanks in advance!

As a newbie, I've determined that my first steps are to establish an area in which to focus, for house flipping and/or renting. I live in Southern California, but properties are far too expensive here to get started in my current financial position. I've been looking in the Jackson, MS area where homes can be purchased at just =< $30K. However, I want to ascertain that y this area (or some other area), would be a great place for back to back, multiple projects (not simultaneously). I want to be certain that where ever I start, it will be an area where selling after reno won't be a big issue. 

Since I will be doing business out of state, establishing a team with a realtor, PM, GC & sub-contractors whom I can reuse on multiple projects is essential. So rather than spend a lot of time right now trying to figure out whether a single property is a good investment, my first step is to establish whether or not an (area) has strong potential for me to reuse the same team on at least 2-3 properties in a row. How best might I gain that information. Where can I look and who can I talk to?

Let's say I'm looking to go in at 3.5% on a duplex in the Columbus area using an FHA. I've been seeing properties go for 250k-350k that are within a reasonable range for an investment. What amount of cash saved is feasible for this option?

Hello BP Community,

I am planning to purchase land in Cleveland, OH, with the goal of holding it as an investment for the next 5 years to benefit for potential appreciation. The land will be zoned residential and will potentially has access to water, sewer and probably electricity (not necessarily) It's in a good location. What potential downsides or risks should I be aware of? Thank you