All Forum Posts by: Simon Ashbaugh

Gaining hands-on experience through house hacking in your local market is a smart way to start your real estate investment. However, if the high cost of living makes this impractical, you should consider a turnkey rental property. Cleveland OH is a market known for strong cash flow potential. 

This will allow you to learn the ropes of property management while building a solid team for your future investments. I recommend interviewing local real estate agents and property managers in your target area to gain insights into the market.

Yes, you can house hack with FHA as long as you live in one of the units.

Definitely not. That's mortgage fraud. One of the primary conditions for obtaining an FHA loan is that the property must be your primary residence for at least one year.

You might want to consider Cleveland OH. The city has a strong rental market and with affordability as well as a median home price below the national average, it stands out as an attractive option. 

Agree with everyone here, hiring a property manager will be a wise choice, especially for your first out-of-state investment. 

Hey Sean, welcome to BiggerPockets! I'd say look for properties with solid rental histories and reasonable price points to maximize your cash flow. Building strong relationships with property managers and contractors is important for your long-term success. These connections can save you time, money and headaches as you grow your portfolio. Start small and gradually scale up. Best of luck on your first investment!

Hey Ka, starting with a turnkey property is a great way for beginners to get their feet wet in real estate investing. I would recommend focusing on local markets initially before expanding to out-of-state opportunities but if investing locally isn't a possibility, consider checking out Columbus OH. North Hilltop, Old North, Southern Orchards, Franklinton, Reynoldsburg, Merion Village, Old Towne East, North Linden and Hungarian Village are some areas that are good to explore. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

Hey Noah, in this market, cashflow is king! Compared to many other major cities, property values in Cleveland are relatively lower making it easier to acquire cash-flowing properties. Careful tenant selection is crucial to your success here. Places like Lakewood, Old Brooklyn, Brooklyn Centre, Edgewater, Jefferson and West Boulevard are some places that are good to explore. Happy to chat if you have any questions.

Hey Mohit, welcome to BP! Out-of-state investing can be done successfully, but having a team in place in important. Your Core 4 Real Estate team will play a very important role in your success.

As for other markets to check out, it really comes down to what you're aiming for. If you're seeking a reliable income stream, check out Cleveland OH. It has a strong potential for cash flow. On the other hand, if your focus is on appreciation, Columbus is the place to be. The appealing aspect here is the ongoing population growth and other economic factors. All the best!

Hey Natalia, it's great that you're exploring multi-family investing! I recommend that you focus on identifying areas with strong job growth, increasing population and a solid rental market. Once you've narrowed down your options, decide if you prioritize rental income, long-term appreciation or a mix of both. This will help you make informed decisions about where to invest and how to maximize your return. All the best!