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All Forum Posts by: Zeke Liston

Zeke Liston has started 2 posts and replied 1517 times.

Post: Where to start investing in real estate?

Zeke Liston
Agent
Pro Member
Posted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Columbus, OH
  • Posts 1,595
  • Votes 1,450
Quote from @Matt Powers:

Hi everyone,

I’m new to real estate investing and looking for guidance on where to start. I currently live in upstate New York but am considering relocating and would love advice on where to move based on strong real estate markets.

I’m particularly interested in:

  • -Investing in either short-term rentals (like Airbnbs) or long-term rental properties.
  • -Markets with promising ROI potential and steady demand.
  • -Locations that offer a good balance between affordability and growth opportunities, especially for someone new to real estate investing.

If you’ve relocated for real estate opportunities or know of hot markets to consider, I’d love to hear your thoughts.


Hi Matt, if you want good bang for your buck, I would consider the Midwest, specifically Ohio. You can pretty easily find a duplex to house hack in a good neighborhood in the $300,000-$400,000 range. Depending on the city, there are good opportunities for STR/MTRs as well.

Post: Multi family investing

Zeke Liston
Agent
Pro Member
Posted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Columbus, OH
  • Posts 1,595
  • Votes 1,450
Quote from @Saul Clavijo:

Hi! Novice looking to get into multi family investing in Detroit, Cleveland, Columbus, or Cincinnati. Currently own my home and two other properties which I do STR and LTR in. Hoping someone could help me get into multi family in these areas for under $150k.

Thanks!


 Hey Saul, I would try to narrow the search down to 1-2 cities. It's going to be hard to fully focus on four different cities. I've heard good things about all four cities, so I would personally see what cities I can build the best teams in and go from there. Obviously, a good team will be crucial for you since you'll be investing out of state. Good luck! 

Post: Starting out + choosing a strategy

Zeke Liston
Agent
Pro Member
Posted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Columbus, OH
  • Posts 1,595
  • Votes 1,450
Quote from @Danny Goss:

Hey guys! I joined after reading 5-6 of the BP authored books and I've loved growing my understanding of the world of real estate investing.

I made my first investment this summer and my family is partnering to make a few investments in the next year. We're currently deciding whether we'll want to go with a BRRRR vs. turnkey duplexes. Clearly there's a lot more ROI and work for a BRRRR.

After finishing David Greene's BRRRR book and combing the forums, my impression is it'll come down to building the right team and doing our due diligence on finding and analyzing deals, estimated ARV, rehab costs, and rent /demand for an area with the most conservative estimates. I'm looking to understand how the Columbus market may stack up for opportunity in BRRRR's. I'd love any insights for those who are familiar.

Thanks!


 BRRRRs in Columbus are hard to come by, but they are still out there. I've done multiple BRRRRs myself and tend to find the best opportunities in C, C+, and B- neighborhoods where the inventory of distressed homes is still there. Personally, I've had success in Linden, Southern Orchards, South of Main, Driving Park, and Franklinton to name a few neighborhoods in Columbus. 

Post: Renovations in Columbus OH

Zeke Liston
Agent
Pro Member
Posted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Columbus, OH
  • Posts 1,595
  • Votes 1,450
Quote from @Gil Levi:

Hi, Everyone!

We are looking for recommendations for a reliable GC in the Columbus, OH area. We looking for someone who`s Investor friendly, and can deal with a project from A to Z, and can go and estimate the cost of repairs for properties that we may be purchasing.

Your recommendation is greatly appreciated!


 Hi Gil, Tyler Hay (Ohio Renovation Solutions) is a good contractor that I've personally used and have had clients use as well. I'm not sure if I'm allowed to share his info here, but I am happy to share it privately.  

Post: Investing in Ohio-Specifically Section 8

Zeke Liston
Agent
Pro Member
Posted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Columbus, OH
  • Posts 1,595
  • Votes 1,450
Quote from @Nicholas Nakamura:

Hello everyone!

New here to the forum and I am currently looking to invest in Ohio for the purpose of providing section 8 housing.  I have about 1

$110K to invest, and I am looking to invest in the next few months.  Any and all guidance is greatly appreciated.  Thank you!  Looking forward to the journey ahead....


In my experience, very few properties in Ohio are strictly required to operate as Section 8 rentals. That said, I’ve found that properties in C-class neighborhoods tend to perform best with Section 8 tenants. This is largely because I can typically get higher rents in B and A-class neighborhoods without relying on Section 8.

I’d recommend focusing your search on C and C+ neighborhoods, for both multi-family and single-family homes with more than three bedrooms. Three bedroom units can yield up to $1,568 per month through CMHA (Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority). 

Post: Columbus OH Property Management Referrals

Zeke Liston
Agent
Pro Member
Posted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Columbus, OH
  • Posts 1,595
  • Votes 1,450
Quote from @Lolo Druff:

I've heard horror stories about awful property management companies and am looking for a REFERRAL for a trusted source from an investor. Please let me know who you have worked with and why you like them (How many properties do they manage for you, how long have you worked with them, what you like about them etc.)

When the unit is vacant, do they cover the cost for professional photography to rent it out again, or is that an additional fee?


Hey Lolo,There are definitely some less-than-stellar property managers here in Columbus. I self-manage, but I understand that's not a practical option for most people. From my experience, here are a few property management companies that my clients have worked with:

  • ERA Solutions: They have a strong presence in C-class neighborhoods.
  • Realize Property Management: Better suited for A and B-class neighborhoods, though they do manage some C-class properties.
  • Ohio Elite Management: Primarily focuses on B and C-class neighborhoods.
Every PM I've met has at least several bad reviews, but I'm hoping this helps. 

Most property managers will take their own photos for leasing. If you want professional-grade photos, you’ll likely need to cover that cost yourself—which I think is well worth it. 

Post: Need DSCR Loan's in OHIO with min 550+ fico

Zeke Liston
Agent
Pro Member
Posted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Columbus, OH
  • Posts 1,595
  • Votes 1,450
Quote from @Alexa Aimer:

Sold off my portfolio in Jamestown, NY about 2 years ago. Rebuilding - challenged credit at the moment.

Looking to purchase a new rental property in Ohio (Dayton? Akron?) every month. 

I need a lender with lenient loan minimums and willing to work with challenged credit.


 As mentioned above, I would try to find a loan partner with a higher credit score, as you'll get a much better rate and, therefore, better returns. You could use the interest savings to pay someone for their credit score. 

Post: What to look for when buying a fixer upper in Ohio?

Zeke Liston
Agent
Pro Member
Posted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Columbus, OH
  • Posts 1,595
  • Votes 1,450
Quote from @Rehaan Khan:

I'm looking to buy a fixer upper in Ohio but there are so many properties for sale there. What are some tips on what type of property to acquire and renovate that is likely to sell faster?


Invest in the right neighborhood and city. You'll want to get connected with a local expert who can guide you to the right area.

Post: Hello Looking to break into RE

Zeke Liston
Agent
Pro Member
Posted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Columbus, OH
  • Posts 1,595
  • Votes 1,450
Quote from @Paul Pompeo:

I have 20 plus years experience in sales. I am tired of starting all over ever year without building any equity. Looking to break into the local market with Multifamily homes. In addition need to do it part time. I really only have nights and Sundays to work it. Also in this day an age I am thinking this can be done remotely buying and holding property in other states. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. 


 You can totally invest remotely. Have you considered the Columbus, OH market? 

Post: New Investor: Cleveland vs. Columbus

Zeke Liston
Agent
Pro Member
Posted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Columbus, OH
  • Posts 1,595
  • Votes 1,450
Quote from @Shaylynn O'Leary:

Hi everyone,  I'm a new investor looking to purchase my first investment here in the next few months. As an OOS investor, I've narrowed my  potential market down to either Cleveland or Columbus, Ohio. My strategy is to have a portfolio with a mix of LTR/MTR-  single family or small multi.  What market would you choose for someone starting out and why?  Thanks for your help and advice.


 Hi Shaylynn, that's great. Columbus will have slightly higher appreciation and lower cash flow, whereas Cleveland will have slightly higher cashflow and lower appreciation. I personally invest in both markets myself.