All Forum Posts by: Tarek Belal

Hey Tarek , solid question, and both markets have their strengths. If your main goal is cash flow, Cincinnati tends to edge out Columbus with slightly lower purchase prices and higher cap rates, especially in C-class neighborhoods. There's still solid rental demand, and the lower cost of entry helps boost returns.

Columbus, on the other hand, has stronger population and job growth, which can translate into better long-term appreciation and stability , but that often means tighter margins up front.

Both markets are seeing more investor activity, so smart deal selection and local knowledge matter more than ever. If cash flow is the priority, Cincinnati is worth a hard look , just be selective on location and tenant quality.

Let me know if you want help analyzing a deal in either market. Best,

Thanks a lot Drago!! Population and wage growth are also 2 big factors that i always screen for. I prefer safety & a high rental demand market even if the entry point is a bit higher. From your personal experience, which real estate markets in the country do you see providing best cash flow if purchasing within the next 2-3 years ? I don't care much about appreciation. I've watched numerous videos about this and always appreciate the opinion of a fellow investor. Looking for a market that is in a landlord-friendly state, price below national average, high rent:price ration, has +ve population growth and ideally +ve wage growth as well. Thank you!

1 Vote

Columbus, Ohio

Quote from @Patrick Drury:

@Tarek Belal
If your primary goal is cash flow and you want a larger market in Ohio, I think Cleveland is a better opportunity then the other 2 markets from a cash flow perspective. Columbus is a great market, but you are only looking at getting deals to the 1% rule they don't typically go beyond that. In Cleveland, you can find more cash flow, and the price point of entry is lower. The downsides are that there are some D/f locations as well as POS (point of sale) inspections in certain areas.

Thank you Patrick!! My biggest concern with Cleveland is the very high crime rate, population & wage growth over the last few years. I don't just look at the cash on cash return, rental demand, rent:price ratio etc, I study the market as thorough as possible. I'm very well aware that Columbus is getting known now and oversaturated with investors. I don't mind mind buying a fixer upper & renting it out if it ticks all the boxes for me. I don't care much about appreciation.

0 Votes

Columbus, Ohio

Quote from @Kristen L Garner:

Hi Tarek! I’ve worked with several investors actively buying in both markets. Here are some of my takeaways. (I do not personally invest here - I invest in Indiana. This is just what I have noticed working with other investors)

Columbus Pros:

Strong population growth due to OSU, tech sector, and Intel expansion
Generally more stable appreciation and tenant demand
Easier to find newer small multis in decent shape
Good resale liquidity

Columbus Cons:

Investor saturation, especially near campus and downtown
Cap rates are compressing quickly
City is tightening code enforcement and landlord compliance

Cincinnati Pros:

Still pockets of undervalued small multis with strong cash flow potential
More neighborhood diversity means more strategies (BRRRR, Section 8, etc.)
Slightly easier entry points price-wise
Strong local tenant base and healthcare job market

Cincinnati Cons:

Some areas still have lower appreciation and/or weak comps
More deferred maintenance in older multis
Need knowledge for PM nuances between neighborhoods

From a purely lending perspective, on DSCR loans - Cincinnati has been having stronger DSCR ratios.

If you’re comparing specific deals and want help running the numbers to compare - feel free to reach out.

Thanks a lot Kristen! Really appreciate your input!! I'm well aware of the investor saturation in Columbus. I know markets are very local & things can change rapidly, but from your experience, which real estate markets in the country do you see providing best cash flow if purchasing within the next 2-3 years ? I don't care much about appreciation. I've watched numerous videos about this and always appreciate the opinion of a fellow investor. Looking for a market that is in a landlord-friendly state, price below national average, high rent:price ration, has +ve population growth and ideally +ve wage growth as well. Thanks again!!

0 Votes

Columbus, Ohio

Hi all! For those investing in OH, if you're primary goal is cash flow, looking at small multi-family, would you invest in Columbus or Cincinnati ? Pros / Cons of each ? I see both are started to get oversaturated with investors. Thank you!

5 Votes

Columbus, Ohio

All Forum Posts by: Tarek Belal

Tarek Belal has started 1 posts and replied 5 times.

Post: Columbus or Cincinnati for cash flow ?

Post: Columbus or Cincinnati for cash flow ?

Post: Columbus or Cincinnati for cash flow ?

Post: Columbus or Cincinnati for cash flow ?

Post: Columbus or Cincinnati for cash flow ?