All Forum Posts by: Sharon Seiter

I think it depends completely on the area of Ohio. 

I moved from Youngstown to Columbus last May and the difference is stunning.  In the Youngstown area, jobs are difficult to find and many young people move away if they have the means.  Columbus is the opposite, attracting lots of new residents.  The city is growing steadily and becoming one of the best places to live in the Midwest.

In both situations, there are still lots of opportunities for landlords.  In Youngstown, the economic circumstances mean a much higher proportions of people are renting since they lack the means to buy a home.  In Columbus, supply of multifamily housing is still growing to keep up with the increasing demand, and we have very low vacancy rates at something like 5%.

As long as you understand the market you choose to get into, you should not have a problem finding tenants for years to come.

It's an awesome book...and actually one of the first I read on real estate investing!  

Here's a local meetup opportunity next week that I'm reposting from @Ed W.  I haven't attended yet, but have heard good things.  These usually happen monthly:

Meeting Thursday Jan. 19th at Tommy's Pizza on Dublin-Granville between 6 and 9 PM. 6 - 7 is Q&A for newbies and to deal with difficult problems for more experienced investors. Speaker at 7 PM. Networking at about 8 PM. This is a free meeting, no charge to attend. Tommy's is on the south side of 161 right next to the Oakland Nursery.

Welcome Joshua!  I'm also just about to get started in Columbus and hoping to house-hack a triplex or quad this spring.  There's so much great information on this site!  

Hey @Chris Schoonhoven!  I'm currently in Columbus, but grew up in Morris County NJ.  My grandmother lived in Asbury Park for years and my great grandfather actually built a number of houses in the vicinity, so I know that area quite well!

I just began researching the Columbus, OH market, having moved here in May.  From what I know, it's a stable, growing city with very low vacancy rates compared to the rest of the country.

Hilltop is not an area I am very familiar with yet, but from what I have heard would have mostly "C or D" neighborhoods.  Here is a good thread on general neighborhood grades in Columbus, esp. the third comment from Grant:

https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/577/topics/312730-a-b-c-d-areas-in-columbus-oh

Good luck, and let us know how things turn out!

Sharon

Good topic!  thanks for the replies all.

Welcome Evan! I'm also in Columbus, although not a native. :) I'm on a similar timeline, with a goal of doing an FHA loan for owner-occupied multifamily next spring/summer. What areas are you looking at? We're currently leaning toward Dublin/Hilliard because we have little kids, and the school systems seem to attract stable tenants.

Welcome Nate!  I'm also starting out in Columbus, and have learned a great deal through Bigger Pockets.

Curious to hear the replies on this... I'm starting out in Columbus too, and will need a good CPA before long...

Nice work!  Before moving to Columbus, we lived in a more rural area of PA where pre-fab homes were very common as farmland was turned into residential developments.  They are very aesthetically pleasing, and as you mentioned, go together quickly!  Great to hear that they are affordable too.

Thanks Robert!  My analyst side was getting the better of me wondering how you calculated those numbers... :)

There do seem to be some nice options in Dublin/Hilliard!  I'm going to spend at least a few more months learning and getting ready, but will definitely reach out when the time comes.

All the best.