All Forum Posts by: Samuel Diouf

Hey Saul, for under $150k you'd be able to find a solid cash flowing duplex in the Cleveland market. 

I wouldn't fall for any deals in the D or F areas where the prices look like steals... Because the expenses and vacancies are going to be a lot higher. There are some great lower entry points in multiple C locations. In your budget, I like neighborhoods like Clark Fulton. 

Cleveland is a solid option. The city currently has one of the lowest price/rent ratios in the Nation, with the average home price being $107k and the average rent being $1,416/Mo.

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.

Columbus, Ohio is a great market to consider if you're looking for appreciation markets that still cash flow. I moved here from Florida after seeing the expansive growth in the Columbus market.

There are multiple billion dollar companies dumping money into the city, such as Intel, Google, Honda, and Amazon. This is causing a huge influx of people moving here for jobs. And a lot of start-up companies are migrating to this city as well because of the OSU campus that has thousands of talented students graduating and looking for positions locally.

Welcome to Bigger Pockets Mikal!

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.

You can purchase a rent ready property, get a PM to manage it, and continue with your day-to-day in Columbus without a turnkey provider. If you're looking for this service in Columbus, your investment will most likely not produce much returns if any. 

Hey Kyle, Columbus is a great market to look into! I moved here from Florida after doing a ton of research on different real estate markets. 

Where are you based out of? 

Hey Celine, 

When looking into Cleveland, I would take a look on the west side. Look into neighborhoods like Clark Fulton, Jefferson, West Park and Boulevard, Brooklyn Center, Old Brooklyn, and Newburgh Heights. 

If you're looking for cities with the greatest potential of appreciation, I also suggest putting Columbus, Ohio, on your list, as there's a ton of growth happening in the city.

No matter where you chose to invest, it will be crucial to work with an investor friendly agent so you're able to gain the right insight on the different areas and the risks involved.

 Hey Daniel,

Congrats on owning 3 townhomes in Florida. I’m sure they’ve brought you some solid returns.

A lot of investors in expensive markets are running into the same problem where cash flow just doesn’t add up anymore. This is pushing many to look at areas that still offer strong cash flow backed by solid economic factors.

I’m originally from Florida, but experienced the same issue after factoring in all the expenses. That’s why I shifted my focus to the Midwest, where industries are growing and property prices are still affordable.

Welcome to BP Mike!

Bigger Pockets is a great place to be, whether you're a seasoned investor or brand new to the REI world. If you have any questions or are looking to just connect with others in the industry, don't hesitate to post!

It really depends what your goals with REI are. Historically, properties have appreciated more in A locations, but the cash-flow is nonexistent in the first couple of years whereas C locations cash-flow day 1.

A popular strategy I've seen work is to scale with properties in the C locations and then slowly upgrade your portfolio into the nicer asset classes as you progress and become more cash flow heavy. 

Columbus is going to be a market with more expansive growth compared to Cleveland, which is currently pretty steady with higher cash flow but less appreciation.