The rental market is still strong in Cincinnati, especially at the upper tiers.

For the last few days I have done some research for fixer uppers projects BRRRR, my lender recommended go for HELOC because we try to keep expenses downs and easy to access the funds.

So my parents are buying my first fixer upper for me all cash in there name. 

Purchase price: $171,000 Cash invested: $34,000 Bought a 2 unit as a househack, living in the upper and renting out the lower unit.

Tough neighborhoods still, but plenty of fixer uppers and low cost plots make it ideal for scrappy individual investors looking to get started on the cheap.

A handy search bar in the upper right makes it easy to find previous discussions, blogs, podcasts, and other resources.

Considering your goal of house hacking a duplex, while FHA loans are common for first-timers, there are alternative financing options to explore:Conventional Loans: Need more credit and down payment, but offer flexibility. 203K Loans: Ideal for fixer-upper duplexes, bundling purchase and renovation costs.VA Loans: Great for vets—no down payment, competitive rates, and no mortgage insurance.Portfolio Loans: Private lenders, good for unconventional income or credit histories.Hard Money Loans: Quick, high-interest, good for investments or major renovations.With $30,000, mix it up—use it for a down payment, maybe pair with a conventional or FHA loan.

. - Indianapolis is VERY competitive in the fixer-upper & multifamily realms.

Call agents in the area that are listing a renovated house, or call agents who represented a cash buyer on a fixer upper.

Retail price means either the price a fixed up house  is sold to a user or the price a fixer upper is sold to a rehabber. 4.