@Krystal Lozano A good majority of areas still produce day 1 cash flow for multi family in Pittsburgh with a 20-25% down payment.

You are on the right track with adding a business for cash flow into your strategy.

I went from growing up in a hut in Vietnam and spending my early years in Section 8 housing in the U.S. to now owning four cash-flowing properties (8 units) across three states.

Purchase price: $640,000 Cash invested: $220,000 Purchase price $640,000Got it at this price because there is a non-paying tenant in unit 2 (rent value $3,500), we're in court Rehab $60,000All in cash (rehab plus down payment) $217,500Rehab included ground level basement and 2 parking spot drivewayMonthly cash flow $1,500 ARV $950,000Equity $470,000Refi cash out (August 2024) $150,000 (used to buy new rental)New monthly cash flow breaking even (non-paying tenant still in unit 2)New equity about $200,000

Are you cash flowing the property?

I’m also based in California and invest in Detroit, where prices are far more reasonable, and there are still strong cash flow opportunities.Detroit has a solid rent-to-price ratio, improving economic fundamentals, and plenty of value-add potential if you have the right team in place.

While we currently live in Stephens City, VA, we’re open to investing in other states where the numbers make sense.Real Estate Goals & StrategyInvestment Focus: Buy-and-hold rentals, short-term rentals, and potential multifamily propertiesMarkets of Interest: Open to investing outside of Virginia in cash-flowing, landlord-friendly marketsCurrent Stage: Learning, networking, and preparing for our first investment propertyLong-Term Vision: Build a diversified rental portfolio that provides financial freedom and generational wealthWhy I’m HereNetworking: Connecting with experienced investors, agents, lenders, and property managersLearning: Gaining insights from those who’ve built successful portfoliosCollaborating: Open to partnerships, joint ventures, and creative financing strategiesWith my sales background, I understand the importance of negotiation, deal-making, and relationship-building—all of which I plan to leverage in real estate.

But leaving over 30% and not cash flowing is too risky and a bad position. 

I do a lot of searches for multi-families in Cleveland and Akron so Im looking at the MLS everyday on these and I think you can definitely get better cash flow in Cleveland, especially in the 120k price range. 

This will be negative cash flow if using sustained maintenance /cap ex.