Starting Out and Seeking Guidance

Starting Out
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Starting Out and Seeking Guidance

Brianna Crumrine
Member since 2025 · 1 post · 15 votes

Hello BP community,

My husband and I are ready to begin our real estate investment journey. We live in California, so we’re looking into long-distance investing. After some research, we’re planning to start by purchasing a small multifamily property in Columbus, OH, using a buy-and-hold strategy; although we’re open to recommendations for other markets where this approach could be successful.

If anyone has any general advice or referrals for agents or property management companies in the area, we’d really appreciate it. Thank you all for the support!

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Melissa JusticeBusiness Member
Rental Property Investor · Phoenix, AZ · Member since 2024 · 518 posts · 1k+ votes
10mo

@Brianna Crumrine,

Hey! your plan to start with a small multifamily in Columbus, OH is solid, but don’t feel limited to just that market. There are several other out-of-state cities that can give you stronger cash flow and easier scaling, especially as a long-distance investor.

Other Markets to Consider:

Akron / Canton, OH – Very affordable, excellent rent-to-price ratios, stable economy

Huntsville, AL – High job growth, strong appreciation, landlord-friendly

Birmingham, AL – Low purchase prices, reliable cash flow, good PM infrastructure

Columbus, GA – Military + manufacturing presence = stable rents, growing job market

Tips for Picking the Right Market:

Run the numbers first – GRM, cap rate, cash flow after taxes, insurance, PM fees, and vacancy

Talk to local property managers – get real maintenance & turnover costs

Visit or virtually tour neighborhoods – check schools, crime, amenities

Use conservative underwriting – always build in a cushion

I’d suggest comparing 2–3 of these markets side by side before making your first purchase. Always happy to chat more about what's worked for other investors. Best of luck!

[email protected]313-221-8718
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  • Arman AhmedPro Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus Cleveland Dayton, OH · Member since 2024 · 2k+ posts · 935 votes
    10mo

    @Brianna Crumrine

    Columbus has a lot of opportunities for small multifamily buy-and-hold, especially in B and C class neighborhoods where cash flow can be strong and appreciation steady. It’s a good market for long-distance investors if you have a reliable local team including a property manager, contractor network, and investor-friendly agents. Dayton and Cleveland nearby also have similar opportunities, often at lower entry prices, so it’s worth exploring multiple Midwest markets to find deals that fit your strategy.

    [email protected]614-418-6081
    0Reply
  • Michael SmytheBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Metro Detroit · Member since 2023 · 4k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    10mo

    @Brianna Crumrine oh boy, get ready to be overwhelmed by the Columbus Crew!

    You could also consider Metro Detroit. 

    We've got Deep Dive videos and more to assist you.

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  • Remington LymanBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus, OH · Member since 2017 · 6k+ posts · 7k+ votes
    10mo
    Quote from @Brianna Crumrine:

    Hello BP community,

    My husband and I are ready to begin our real estate investment journey. We live in California, so we’re looking into long-distance investing. After some research, we’re planning to start by purchasing a small multifamily property in Columbus, OH, using a buy-and-hold strategy; although we’re open to recommendations for other markets where this approach could be successful.

    If anyone has any general advice or referrals for agents or property management companies in the area, we’d really appreciate it. Thank you all for the support!


    Welcome to the market. Columbus is great. I know a lot of investors that purchase in Dayton, Cleveland, and other Ohio markets as well.

    I can send you some referrals!

    [email protected]614-541-8475Podcast Guest on Show My Job Laid Me Off, So I Replaced My Salary with Rentals
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  • Mike PaolucciBusiness Member
    Realtor · Columbus Cleveland Dayton, OH · Member since 2022 · 498 posts · 551 votes
    10mo
    Quote from @Brianna Crumrine:

    Hello BP community,

    My husband and I are ready to begin our real estate investment journey. We live in California, so we’re looking into long-distance investing. After some research, we’re planning to start by purchasing a small multifamily property in Columbus, OH, using a buy-and-hold strategy; although we’re open to recommendations for other markets where this approach could be successful.

    If anyone has any general advice or referrals for agents or property management companies in the area, we’d really appreciate it. Thank you all for the support!


     Hi Brianna! Welcome to BP. I followed that same path back in 2021 while originally from San Francisco. 

    Happy to connect and share some insights & resources as a former out of state investor! 

    [email protected]614-892-9184
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  • Elealeh Fulmaran
    Specialist · Member since 2025 · 483 posts · 270 votes
    10mo

    Great plan starting with Columbus for buy‑and‑hold. As long‑distance buyers, set a tight buy box (2–4 units, C to B areas, light‑turn), then underwrite income‑first: confirm realistic rents with two PMs, plug full expenses, and pass if it doesn't cash flow on conservative numbers. Columbus is block‑by‑block, so have an investor‑savvy agent and PM walk target streets; ask for T12, rent roll, leases, utility split, and licenses before calling anything "turnkey." Shortlist three agents/PMs, have each walk one live listing to earn the spot, analyze five deals a week, and aim to close one clean, repeatable win before you scale.

    0Reply
  • Matthew Thornton
    Member since 2025 · 104 posts · 37 votes
    10mo

    Have you looked into the OKC Metro?

    0Reply
  • Alfath AhmedBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus, OH · Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    10mo
    Quote from @Brianna Crumrine:

    Hello BP community,

    My husband and I are ready to begin our real estate investment journey. We live in California, so we’re looking into long-distance investing. After some research, we’re planning to start by purchasing a small multifamily property in Columbus, OH, using a buy-and-hold strategy; although we’re open to recommendations for other markets where this approach could be successful.

    If anyone has any general advice or referrals for agents or property management companies in the area, we’d really appreciate it. Thank you all for the support!


     Hi Brianna - congrats on getting started. I'd choose a market (something in the Midwest) that is landlord-friendly, and has a ton of tech investments going on. You can use the agent-finder tool on BP to find a good investor-focused agent that can help you identify the right city/dealflow/connections to get started.

     I personally own 28 doors in Columbus and sell over 100+ properties every year. Let me know if you need any advice or resources. Happy to help. 

    [email protected]614-802-5698
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  • Min ZhangBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    10mo

    Hi Brianna! Sounds like you two are off to a great start already. 

    One thing that really helped me early on was getting clear on my buy and hold criteria and then building a solid core team such as PM, contractor, lender, etc before submitting offers. It makes the learning curve way smoother, especially when you’re analyzing neighborhoods from far away. Multifamily is definitely doable remotely as long as you have eyes on the ground.

    If you’re open to it, I’m happy to share a few investor friendly PMs I’ve worked with in the Midwest and what’s worked well for others starting out. Happy to keep the conversation going!

    [email protected]614-412-2912
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  • Yoel GoldbergPro Member
    Investor · Member since 2024 · 12 posts · 1 vote
    10mo

    Might have some local guys I can introduce you to, if you'd like to message me.

    0Reply
  • Patrick DruryBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus, OH & Cleveland OH · Member since 2021 · 1k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    10mo

    @Brianna Crumrine
    If you are looking in Columbus, I recommend areas like Hilltop, Linden, Eastmoor/ Whitehall, and Franklinton. These are areas where you can cash flow in Columbus because the rent-to-price ratio is favorable. Out of these areas, Franklinton and Linden are seeing some of the most developments. With things like the ONE Linden plan in Linden, which is a 50M plan to improve the neighborhood. Of that 50M, 25M was allocated for the construction of a new recreational faculty that has since been completed. Franklinton has been seeing lots of developments like the completion of Gravity Phase 1 and phases 2 and 3 on the way. As well as coffee shops like Bottoms Up Coffee are moving in and small microbreweries like brew dog and Land Grant.


    [email protected]614-412-4565
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  • Jimmy LieuBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus, OH · Member since 2019 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    10mo
    Quote from @Brianna Crumrine:

    Hello BP community,

    My husband and I are ready to begin our real estate investment journey. We live in California, so we’re looking into long-distance investing. After some research, we’re planning to start by purchasing a small multifamily property in Columbus, OH, using a buy-and-hold strategy; although we’re open to recommendations for other markets where this approach could be successful.

    If anyone has any general advice or referrals for agents or property management companies in the area, we’d really appreciate it. Thank you all for the support!

    Hey Brianna, welcome to BP and congrats on taking the first step into real estate investing! Columbus is a great choice for long-distance buy-and-hold, especially for small multifamily properties, because the market is still very affordable with solid cash flow and strong long-term appreciation potential. You can find 2–4 unit properties in the $120K–180K range that hit the 1% rule, which makes it easier to generate positive cash flow from day one. The city is experiencing rapid population growth, job growth, and major developments from companies like Intel, Amazon, Google, Facebook, Honda, Microsoft, and LG, which keeps rental demand high and strengthens your long-term equity. For a first long-distance investment, using a good local property manager is key to handling day-to-day operations, and starting with a turnkey or light rehab property can help you get comfortable managing rentals without taking on too much risk. Happy to connect and answer any questions you have!

    [email protected]614-300-7535
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  • Seth McGatheyBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Milwaukee WI · Member since 2024 · 320 posts · 253 votes
    10mo

    Welcome to investing! I don't know the OH market but I have heard good things. A lot of the midwest is good in general. If you want another market to consider, take a look at my local Milwaukee market. Here you can find a solid duplex for $300k-$350k. If you need decent cashflow, you can get a $200k-$250k duplex, BRRRR it and then cashflow well. I personally do mostly by and hold as I am building a longterm portfolio. So if you want to dig more into Milwaukee, feel free to reach out and I would be happy to discuss it with you.

    [email protected]708-297-0996
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  • Zeke Liston
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus, OH · Member since 2018 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    10mo
    Quote from @Brianna Crumrine:

    Hello BP community,

    My husband and I are ready to begin our real estate investment journey. We live in California, so we’re looking into long-distance investing. After some research, we’re planning to start by purchasing a small multifamily property in Columbus, OH, using a buy-and-hold strategy; although we’re open to recommendations for other markets where this approach could be successful.

    If anyone has any general advice or referrals for agents or property management companies in the area, we’d really appreciate it. Thank you all for the support!

    Hey Brianna! Columbus is an awesome market to invest in. I’ve been buying here since 2019. Feel free to send over any questions you have, happy to help.
    0Reply
  • Melissa JusticeBusiness Member
    Rental Property Investor · Phoenix, AZ · Member since 2024 · 518 posts · 1k+ votes
    10mo

    @Brianna Crumrine,

    Hey! your plan to start with a small multifamily in Columbus, OH is solid, but don’t feel limited to just that market. There are several other out-of-state cities that can give you stronger cash flow and easier scaling, especially as a long-distance investor.

    Other Markets to Consider:

    Akron / Canton, OH – Very affordable, excellent rent-to-price ratios, stable economy

    Huntsville, AL – High job growth, strong appreciation, landlord-friendly

    Birmingham, AL – Low purchase prices, reliable cash flow, good PM infrastructure

    Columbus, GA – Military + manufacturing presence = stable rents, growing job market

    Tips for Picking the Right Market:

    Run the numbers first – GRM, cap rate, cash flow after taxes, insurance, PM fees, and vacancy

    Talk to local property managers – get real maintenance & turnover costs

    Visit or virtually tour neighborhoods – check schools, crime, amenities

    Use conservative underwriting – always build in a cushion

    I’d suggest comparing 2–3 of these markets side by side before making your first purchase. Always happy to chat more about what's worked for other investors. Best of luck!

    [email protected]313-221-8718
    3Reply
  • Anthony L Amos Jr
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus | Toledo · Member since 2019 · 607 posts · 768 votes
    10mo

    Hey Brianna!

    Welcome to the community and congratulations on starting your real estate investment journey. Choosing Columbus, OH for a small multifamily buy and hold is a smart move. It's a great, landlord friendly city with strong economic fundamentals.

    Since you're investing from California, the most crucial first step is to get really specific about your investment target before you hire anyone. I see a lot of long-distance investors get overwhelmed by all of Columbus. Instead of generally looking for a multi-family, pick two or three neighborhoods that have the right blend of strong cash flow and moderate risk, like parts of Hilltop or Whitehall.

    Once you know exactly what streets you want to buy on, it makes finding the right investor-focused agent and property manager much easier because you can find people who specialize in those specific pockets.

    Good luck with your search!

    0Reply
  • Marc RiceBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus Cleveland Dayton, OH · Member since 2018 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    10mo
    Quote from @Brianna Crumrine:

    Hello BP community,

    My husband and I are ready to begin our real estate investment journey. We live in California, so we’re looking into long-distance investing. After some research, we’re planning to start by purchasing a small multifamily property in Columbus, OH, using a buy-and-hold strategy; although we’re open to recommendations for other markets where this approach could be successful.

    If anyone has any general advice or referrals for agents or property management companies in the area, we’d really appreciate it. Thank you all for the support!


     Hi Brianna, I can help you with all my contacts here and also advise you on your best potential investment options. Feel free to reach

    [email protected]614-363-2787
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  • Charles ClarkBusiness Member
    Real Estate Broker · Milwaukee, WI · Member since 2020 · 306 posts · 209 votes
    10mo

    @Brianna Crumrine
    Welcome! Columbus is a great market for long-distance buy-and-hold—strong rental demand and investor-friendly. A small multifamily is a smart starting point. I’d recommend focusing on neighborhoods like Clintonville, Westerville, and Grove City. If you need agent or property manager referrals, I’m happy to share a few options. Best of luck on your investing journey!

    [email protected]414-719-6090
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