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All Forum Posts by: Samuel Diouf

Samuel Diouf has started 1 posts and replied 1042 times.

Post: What has been your experience with out of state investing?

Samuel Diouf
Agent
Pro Member
Posted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Columbus, OH
  • Posts 1,065
  • Votes 1,391

Hey Alyssa, when looking into markets.. I would first decide on whether you want appreciation, cashflow, or a mix of both. If you want cashflow.. look for markets with low entry prices and higher rent averages. If you want appreciation, identify markets with expanding industries, positive growth trends, and bright economic forecasts. 

I personally moved to Ohio from Florida because I liked the mix of cashflow and appreciation that the Ohio markets presented. 

You can be successful anywhere you just need a strong and loyal team working with you!

Post: Suggestions for my 1st Investment: Should I start with a BRRRR or focus on cash flow?

Samuel Diouf
Agent
Pro Member
Posted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Columbus, OH
  • Posts 1,065
  • Votes 1,391

Hey Ximei, I would start with something that's turnkey with value-add potential. Use this experience to work out the kinks and build a strong boots on the ground team. The first purchase is always a huge learning experience. Once you're ready for the next purchase, you will have experience, systems, and the confidence to tackle a bigger project like a BRRRR.

Post: Advice on Duplexes in Cleveland, Ohio

Samuel Diouf
Agent
Pro Member
Posted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Columbus, OH
  • Posts 1,065
  • Votes 1,391
Quote from @Barbara Berta:
Quote from @Ryan Evans:

Hello all!

I'm looking into some duplexes in Cleveland as my first ever property. I've been living around the world for a while, but I'm from Seattle so I'm not familiar with the market beyond the research I've been doing in the forums and such. 

For whatever reason, there are quite a lot of duplexes in Cleveland for sale. They seem to be renting for 500-750 per unit and they're selling from 10k on the really low end. I would love to be all in on one for 20-25k cash and bring in 1000/mo as a buy and hold, but that seems way too good to be true. I feel like I'm missing something.

Does anyone have experience in the area with those sorts of units? Are they easy/hard to rent? (Obviously, depends on the neighborhood and I know there is a good amount of crime)

I could fly out to buy/live there for a while to get it fixed/rented since I'm taking a break from work. It would be ideal to be hands on for my first deal.

Any thoughts would be much appreciated!


 Hello Ryan, congrats on being so brave and executing the plan despite people trying to talk you out of it back then. Since it's been years ago, I'm curious about where you are at now, and what would you do differently.

Also, how were you able to find and vet your tenants from the West Coast? I also live on the West Coast and plan to invest in multiple properties in Cleveland. I'm flying there in November and would like to build connections with experienced people who invest in Cleveland. Thanks a lot :)


Hey Barbra, that's awesome that you're looking to get started! 

When investing in Cleveland from OOS, I definitely recommend starting with a property manager. They will vet tenants, lease your units and help manage all problems that come up with your investment. Once you get a large enough portfolio, you could start to build out systems and bring the property management back in-house.

Post: Best Markets to buy Apartments in US 2025

Samuel Diouf
Agent
Pro Member
Posted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Columbus, OH
  • Posts 1,065
  • Votes 1,391

Hey Chris, have you looked into any Ohio markets? 

A lot of investors based in markets like California are choosing to purchase their investments OOS in the Midwest because of the affordability and numbers making more sense.

Prices in cities like Columbus are still low enough to find 1% rule deals and there's a ton of appreciation happening in this market as well. I actually moved from Florida to Columbus for the real estate. I saw how fast the city was growing and decided to make the jump.

What size of MFH are you looking into? 

Post: New to Real Estate.

Samuel Diouf
Agent
Pro Member
Posted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Columbus, OH
  • Posts 1,065
  • Votes 1,391
Quote from @Eamon Martin:

Hello everyone, 

I recently graduated highschool last June, and since then have been fascinated with learning to invest in real estate. I was so happy when I found bigger pockets, and since then have been binging like 5 hours every day while I'm working. My goal is to buy a rental within the next 6 months in the Cleveland area. I know that at 18 that seems daunting and really hard to do, but I have been learning alot and asking alot of questions from real estate investors I know. As far as financing a property, I have managed to save a good reserve of cash because I  am working like 75 hours a week and watching my spending and plan to do both for the forseeable future. My question for you guys is how would you advise me to start. At this stage in the game I don't care much for money, I really want experience. I would like my first property to not be a real big rehab,I would instead like to have maybe some cosmetic problems that I could do myself and focus more on learning how to manage tenants and a property. Just wanted to get some educated opinions on what would be the best kind of property to invest in. Also, how to convince a lender to give me the money I need only being 18 years old, and if something like seller financing is a better option. Thank you so much for your help!


 Hey Eamon, I got into real estate at 18 as well!! If you're already working 75 hours a week, you're on the right track.

From my experience.. if you don't care about the money starting out, you should pursue a way to get your foot into the real estate industry any way possible. Reach out to successful investors in the area and see if they would show you the ropes and maybe become your mentor.

Post: New to BiggerPockets

Samuel Diouf
Agent
Pro Member
Posted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Columbus, OH
  • Posts 1,065
  • Votes 1,391

Welcome to Bigger Pockets Austin!

Bigger Pockets is a great place to learn and connect with fellow investors.

If you’re looking to invest long distance, I definitely recommend building your core-4 team. This team consists of an Investor Focused Agent, Lender, Contractor, and PM.

Read this article on the "core 4". It explains the team that you should develop to have a strong foundation under you while investing remotely.

https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/core-four-real-estate-team

Post: Research on Columbus Ohio

Samuel Diouf
Agent
Pro Member
Posted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Columbus, OH
  • Posts 1,065
  • Votes 1,391
Quote from @Lawrence Tan:

Hi all. I am an OOS investor interested in the Columbus area and would really appreciate the maps if you are willing to share: @Marc Rice @Zeke Liston

Do you all know of any good realtor who can walk the property for an OOS investor?


Hey Lawrence,

I'd love to share our graded map with you.

Post: Seeking Advice On Real Estate Investing

Samuel Diouf
Agent
Pro Member
Posted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Columbus, OH
  • Posts 1,065
  • Votes 1,391

Hey Rafael, it's great that you're starting the journey! 

If you’re looking to invest in your backyard, it helps to network with as many locals in the industry as you can. A great way to start is by attending RE events and joining a local investors association. You can usually find some events by doing a simple google search.

Post: Looking to get my hands dirty!

Samuel Diouf
Agent
Pro Member
Posted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Columbus, OH
  • Posts 1,065
  • Votes 1,391

Hey Dillon, welcome to BiggerPockets! Building out a solid network and team consisting of a real estate agent, contractors, and lenders will be the foundation of your flipping success! 

I recommend starting with a smaller project that will have less risk so you're able to gain the experience you'll need to be confident in taking over bigger projects. 

Post: Turn key or BRRRR

Samuel Diouf
Agent
Pro Member
Posted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Columbus, OH
  • Posts 1,065
  • Votes 1,391

I'd start with something that's turnkey with value-add potential. Use this experience to work out the kinks and build a strong boots on the ground team. The first purchase is always a huge learning experience. Once you're ready for the next purchase, you will have experience, systems, and the confidence to tackle a bigger project like a BRRRR.