All Forum Posts by: Zeke Liston

Hi Kemi, I own a portfolio here in Columbus. There are certainly value-added opportunities in the city. Since you'll be investing out of state, establishing a good team will be crucial. I have personally invested in both turn-key and value-added properties. I would decide which route is best for you. It'll be easier to start with a turn-key property, but if you have a good contracting team, a value add will typically offer better returns. 

 Hi Isaac, both of these cities have a great price-to-rent ratio. I own properties in Cleveland and have done well with them. I would just be cautious, as there are some rough neighborhoods in both Akron and Cleveland that seem attractive due to the cash flow but will be money pits after the vandalism and vacancy. Establishing a good local team will be crucial for you. 

If you live in Vegas and can self-manage the property, I'd likely recommend sticking to the market you know and have succeeded in. I hold a decent-sized portfolio in Columbus and Cleveland and have seen higher appreciation in my Columbus portfolio. However, the cash flow is a bit higher with my Cleveland properties. I'm not as familiar with Cincinnati, but I have seen many headlines about the city's growth. 

I would try to find an agent with investor experience and, ideally, a focus on investment properties. Also, I would check reviews and previous sales experience. 

Hi Martti, I've done BRRRRs in both Columbus and Cleveland, but I'm based in Columbus. Being out of state adds challenges, but the key is building a solid team. In my experience, a successful BRRRR typically comes down to two main things: finding a good deal and managing an efficient renovation. Your agent and contractor are crucial members of your CORE 4 in making this happen. A good deal won't matter if your contractor delays the timeline, eating into profits through holding costs. And if the deal itself isn't solid, no contractor can turn it into a win.

Nah, I don't think so. 

Hey Hunter, I'd recommend Tyler Hay with Ohio Renovation Solutions. I'm not sure if I can share his info here, but I'd be happy to share his info along with some other recommendations.  

Hi Jenna, house-hacking is the way to go. Owner-occupant loans will give you the lowest down payment options. I know of one particular loan program in Columbus (I'd need to see if they service Dayton) that offers 0% down for owner-occupants. This is a conventional loan where they also cover your PMI (private mortgage insurance). The only caveat with that loan is that you'll need to purchase in a low to moderate-income tract. Otherwise, you can go FHA, which is 3.5% down.

Hi Paul, yes, this is possible in most cities of Ohio. Columbus, Cleveland, Dayton, and Cincinnati are all cities where the 1% rule is attainable. A client of mine is about to close on a duplex in a C-class neighborhood called Linden here in Columbus for $195,000. Right now, the gross rents are $1,800, but he will raise them to $2,000-$2,200 after closing. Hopefully, this gives you an idea of what you can expect in a city like Columbus. 

Hey Nick, Middletown is a growing submarket between Cincinnati and Dayton, with around 50,000 residents and access to a metro area of over 3 million. The market does offer lower priced investment opportunities and higher cashflow returns, with ongoing revitalization projects like the DORA boosting appreciation potential. While I don’t own investments there, I’ve explored the market and see potential for some long-term growth.