Convince me - first investment property!

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Convince me - first investment property!

Marius Fleischer
Member since 2024 · 8 posts · 11 votes

Hey! I am planning to buy my first investment property. I am looking at Licking County, Jeffersonville, Columbus, Cleveland, OH; McAllen, TX; and Fayetteville, NC. Can anyone convince me why I should start investing in these areas and share more details based on their knowledge/experience? This would also help me narrow it down.  

Thanks! 

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Nicholas L.Pro Member
Flipper/Rehabber · Pittsburgh · Member since 2018 · 6k+ posts · 5k+ votes
2y

@Marius Fleischer

don't - invest wherever you live

https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/12/topics/1171104-the-m...

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  • Nicholas L.Pro Member
    Flipper/Rehabber · Pittsburgh · Member since 2018 · 6k+ posts · 5k+ votes
    2y

    @Marius Fleischer

    don't - invest wherever you live

    https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/12/topics/1171104-the-m...

    7Reply
  • Account Closed
    Realtor · Cleveland, OH · Member since 2023 · 340 posts · 215 votes
    2y

    Hi, as an Ohio Realtor, I can definitely tell you that Ohio is the place you want to be and please feel to contact me regarding any questions you may have regarding ALL your Real Estate needs. Thanks!

    Regina Blake-Ohio Realtor 

    1Reply
  • Chris SeveneyBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Investor · VA · Member since 2015 · 21k+ posts · 19k+ votes
    2y

    @Marius Fleischer

    You will have 50% of people tell you that you should invest there and 50% say otherwise or provide areas they feel are better

    Each area has positives and negatives - my recommendation is to visit each of these areas then shortlist them and continue to figure out where to invest

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  • Jimmy LieuBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus, OH · Member since 2019 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    2y
    Quote from @Marius Fleischer:

    Hey! I am planning to buy my first investment property. I am looking at Licking County, Jeffersonville, Columbus, Cleveland, OH; McAllen, TX; and Fayetteville, NC. Can anyone convince me why I should start investing in these areas and share more details based on their knowledge/experience? This would also help me narrow it down.  

    Thanks! 

    Hi Marius, I personally love Columbus Ohio and as someone who works with a lot of out of state investors - there's so many catalysts for why you should invest here. Specifically, there's job growth (Intel, Honda, Amazon, Nationwide, etc) and the population is growing (unlike Cleveland or Cincy). I really see Columbus Ohio as an extremely safe bet for the next 10-20 years. Plus, there's still so many positive cash flowing and 1% deals here in Columbus Ohio. As a local investor and agent here in Columbus, let me know if you have any questions or want to connect!

    [email protected]614-300-7535
    Jimmy Lieu, Red 1 Realty4.9120 Reviews
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    1Reply
  • Samuel DioufBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus & Cleveland, OH · Member since 2023 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    2y

    Columbus, Ohio is a great market if you're leaning towards appreciation. Multiple, billion dollar companies are investing investing heavy in our area, such as Intel, Google, and Amazon. Which in turn will bring plenty of other investors and general business to the area. I moved here from Florida after seeing the projected growth.

    [email protected]614-662-1652
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    4Reply
  • James Wise
    Real Estate Broker · Cleveland Dayton Cincinnati Toledo Columbus & Akron, OH · Member since 2013 · 31k+ posts · 20k+ votes
    2y
    Quote from @Marius Fleischer:

    Hey! I am planning to buy my first investment property. I am looking at Licking County, Jeffersonville, Columbus, Cleveland, OH; McAllen, TX; and Fayetteville, NC. Can anyone convince me why I should start investing in these areas and share more details based on their knowledge/experience? This would also help me narrow it down.  

    Thanks! 


     Cleveland has hotter chicks than Columbus.

    2Reply
  • Zeke Liston
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus, OH · Member since 2018 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    2y
    Quote from @Marius Fleischer:

    Hey! I am planning to buy my first investment property. I am looking at Licking County, Jeffersonville, Columbus, Cleveland, OH; McAllen, TX; and Fayetteville, NC. Can anyone convince me why I should start investing in these areas and share more details based on their knowledge/experience? This would also help me narrow it down.  

    Thanks! 


     There are pros and cons to all of these different markets. I can speak for Cleveland and Columbus as an investor in both markets. To keep it short and very general: 

    Cleveland=more cash flow, less appreciation. 

    Columbus=more appreciation, less cash flow. 

    4Reply
  • Hannah Roach
    Real Estate Agent · Fayetteville, NC · Member since 2023 · 24 posts · 28 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Marius Fleischer:

    Hey! I am planning to buy my first investment property. I am looking at Licking County, Jeffersonville, Columbus, Cleveland, OH; McAllen, TX; and Fayetteville, NC. Can anyone convince me why I should start investing in these areas and share more details based on their knowledge/experience? This would also help me narrow it down.  

    Thanks! 


    Hi Marius, I am an investment real estate agent in Fayetteville, NC and I can tell you that if you are wanting cashflow, Fayetteville is the way to go. According to BiggerPockets, they rated Fayetteville as one of the top 10 cashflow markets. The military base is close by and it is a popular area for rentals. If you have any more questions about the area or anything else, I'd love to connect! 

    0Reply
  • Sam McCormackBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Cincinnati, OH/NKY · Member since 2021 · 1k+ posts · 833 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Marius Fleischer:

    Hey! I am planning to buy my first investment property. I am looking at Licking County, Jeffersonville, Columbus, Cleveland, OH; McAllen, TX; and Fayetteville, NC. Can anyone convince me why I should start investing in these areas and share more details based on their knowledge/experience? This would also help me narrow it down.  

    Thanks! 


     Try looking in Cincinnati as well, especially NKY (so Greater Cincinnati). They are similar to both of these markets, but like Columbus it is growing. And unlike Cleveland, it isn't declining in population. If you want more info let's talk

    [email protected]859-443-4952
    Sam McCormack Realtor
    View Page
    1Reply
  • Min ZhangBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    2y

    Hey Marius, welcome to BiggerPockets! You’re in the right place to learn about real estate investing. I started off in Columbus, and grew up in Cleveland. I would say, the Ohio market in general is a very beginner friendly state to get started with your real estate journey. I have seen so much growth in Columbus when it comes to appreciation and job opportunities which I have experienced. On average, 80 people move into Columbus weekly. On the other hand, if you have a lower budget, let’s say $100-$150k. Cleveland would be a great market for you. I have experienced cash flow anywhere from 10-18% with so much more to offer. As a real estate agent and an investor, I am on the market daily and explore opportunities for myself and my clients.

    Let me know if you need assistance!

    [email protected]614-412-2912
    Reafco.512 Reviews
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    3Reply
  • Simon Ashbaugh
    Realtor · Columbus Ohio, Cleveland Ohio · Member since 2022 · 849 posts · 830 votes
    2y

    Hey Marius, it really comes down to what you're aiming for. If you're seeking a reliable income stream, consider checking out Cleveland. It has a strong potential for cash flow. On the other hand, if your focus is on appreciation, Columbus is the place to be. The appealing aspect here is the ongoing population growth and other economic factors.

    2Reply
  • Alfath AhmedBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus, OH · Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    2y
    Quote from @Marius Fleischer:

    Hey! I am planning to buy my first investment property. I am looking at Licking County, Jeffersonville, Columbus, Cleveland, OH; McAllen, TX; and Fayetteville, NC. Can anyone convince me why I should start investing in these areas and share more details based on their knowledge/experience? This would also help me narrow it down.  

    Thanks! 

     Hey Marius -  I recommend looking into the Columbus market. A lot of out-of-state investors from the east and west coast are investing here due to the crazy growth over the last 3-5 years. Columbus has become a major tech hub in the midwest with large companies like Intel investing $20 billion, Amazon investing $3.5 billion, Google building 2 new data centers: one in downtown Columbus and the other in right outside of U.S. 33 in Lancaster.

    I would work with an investor-friendly agent who focuses on cold-outreach methods like cold-calling, cold-texting, etc to bring you off-market deals. That is where you will be able to buy deals that are 70 to 80 cents on the dollar.

    [email protected]614-802-5698
    ReafCo | Ahmed Group 539 Reviews
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  • Nydia Rodriguez
    Realtor · Edinburg, TX · Member since 2020 · 34 posts · 12 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Chris Seveney:

    @Marius Fleischer

    You will have 50% of people tell you that you should invest there and 50% say otherwise or provide areas they feel are better

    Each area has positives and negatives - my recommendation is to visit each of these areas then shortlist them and continue to figure out where to invest


     Yes! Definitely visit before you invest do your research.

    Im born and raised in the RGV where McAllen TX is located. It is a growing area and theres more expansion going towards the island and Brownsville since the establishment of space x. BUT It also depends on what you're looking for. 

    1Reply
  • Francisco Hernandez
    Investor · Baraboo, WI · Member since 2019 · 33 posts · 11 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Marius Fleischer:

    Hey! I am planning to buy my first investment property. I am looking at Licking County, Jeffersonville, Columbus, Cleveland, OH; McAllen, TX; and Fayetteville, NC. Can anyone convince me why I should start investing in these areas and share more details based on their knowledge/experience? This would also help me narrow it down.  

    Thanks! 


     Marius, 
    There's a lot to consider when you are trying to invest into a remote market. I will try to list a few things to think about before you make a decision. 
    Look at population growth. 
    Look at regulations. 
    Do you have boots in the ground?
    Who is going to manage your properties?

    Look at rent growth. 

    Look at appreciation. 

    Those are a few (not all) the questions you need answered before you even decide to start investing. No one should have to covince you of anything. Every market will have strategies that are making money in one market but not in others. That's what's beautiful about this business. 

    1Reply
  • Marius Fleischer
    OP
    Member since 2024 · 8 posts · 11 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Jimmy Lieu:
    Quote from @Marius Fleischer:

    Hey! I am planning to buy my first investment property. I am looking at Licking County, Jeffersonville, Columbus, Cleveland, OH; McAllen, TX; and Fayetteville, NC. Can anyone convince me why I should start investing in these areas and share more details based on their knowledge/experience? This would also help me narrow it down.  

    Thanks! 

    Hi Marius, I personally love Columbus Ohio and as someone who works with a lot of out of state investors - there's so many catalysts for why you should invest here. Specifically, there's job growth (Intel, Honda, Amazon, Nationwide, etc) and the population is growing (unlike Cleveland or Cincy). I really see Columbus Ohio as an extremely safe bet for the next 10-20 years. Plus, there's still so many positive cash flowing and 1% deals here in Columbus Ohio. As a local investor and agent here in Columbus, let me know if you have any questions or want to connect!

     Hi Jimmy, thanks! Can you share more about your investment experience (and potentially some more concrete figures) in Columbus? I would love to connect. What is the best way to reach you?

    0Reply
  • Marius Fleischer
    OP
    Member since 2024 · 8 posts · 11 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Alfath Ahmed:
    Quote from @Marius Fleischer:

    Hey! I am planning to buy my first investment property. I am looking at Licking County, Jeffersonville, Columbus, Cleveland, OH; McAllen, TX; and Fayetteville, NC. Can anyone convince me why I should start investing in these areas and share more details based on their knowledge/experience? This would also help me narrow it down.  

    Thanks! 

     Hey Marius -  I recommend looking into the Columbus market. A lot of out-of-state investors from the east and west coast are investing here due to the crazy growth over the last 3-5 years. Columbus has become a major tech hub in the midwest with large companies like Intel investing $20 billion, Amazon investing $3.5 billion, Google building 2 new data centers: one in downtown Columbus and the other in right outside of U.S. 33 in Lancaster.

    I would work with an investor-friendly agent who focuses on cold-outreach methods like cold-calling, cold-texting, etc to bring you off-market deals. That is where you will be able to buy deals that are 70 to 80 cents on the dollar.

     Hi Ahmed, thanks! Have you been personally investing in the Columbus market? Can you share more about your investment experience (and potentially some more concrete figures) in Columbus? I would love to connect. What is the best way to reach you?

    0Reply
  • Marius Fleischer
    OP
    Member since 2024 · 8 posts · 11 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Simon Ashbaugh:

    Hey Marius, it really comes down to what you're aiming for. If you're seeking a reliable income stream, consider checking out Cleveland. It has a strong potential for cash flow. On the other hand, if your focus is on appreciation, Columbus is the place to be. The appealing aspect here is the ongoing population growth and other economic factors.


     Hi Simon, thanks, I am looking for both - a reliable income stream/cashflow and a strong appreciation potential. Have you been investing in Cleveland/Columbus? Can you share more?

    0Reply
  • Marius Fleischer
    OP
    Member since 2024 · 8 posts · 11 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Min Zhang:

    Hey Marius, welcome to BiggerPockets! You’re in the right place to learn about real estate investing. I started off in Columbus, and grew up in Cleveland. I would say, the Ohio market in general is a very beginner friendly state to get started with your real estate journey. I have seen so much growth in Columbus when it comes to appreciation and job opportunities which I have experienced. On average, 80 people move into Columbus weekly. On the other hand, if you have a lower budget, let’s say $100-$150k. Cleveland would be a great market for you. I have experienced cash flow anywhere from 10-18% with so much more to offer. As a real estate agent and an investor, I am on the market daily and explore opportunities for myself and my clients.

    Let me know if you need assistance!

     Hi Min, thanks for these great insights and the welcoming response! Have you been personally investing in the Columbus market lately? Can you share more about your investment experience (and potentially some more concrete figures) in Columbus? Do you work with remote clients? I would love to connect. What is the best way to reach you?

    1Reply
  • Marius Fleischer
    OP
    Member since 2024 · 8 posts · 11 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Sam McCormack:
    Quote from @Marius Fleischer:

    Hey! I am planning to buy my first investment property. I am looking at Licking County, Jeffersonville, Columbus, Cleveland, OH; McAllen, TX; and Fayetteville, NC. Can anyone convince me why I should start investing in these areas and share more details based on their knowledge/experience? This would also help me narrow it down.  

    Thanks! 


     Try looking in Cincinnati as well, especially NKY (so Greater Cincinnati). They are similar to both of these markets, but like Columbus it is growing. And unlike Cleveland, it isn't declining in population. If you want more info let's talk

    Hi Sam, thanks for your thoughts! In which markets are you personally investing lately? I would love to connect and learn more about your experience. What is the best way to reach you?

    0Reply
  • Marius Fleischer
    OP
    Member since 2024 · 8 posts · 11 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Nicholas L.:

    @Marius Fleischer

    don't - invest wherever you live

    https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/12/topics/1171104-the-m...

    Hi Nicholas, thanks for sharing. I did see that post. Unfortunately, upon doing some initial research (including on biggerpockets and reading Brandon's book on real estate investing), its not always feasible to invest where we reside - do you alternatives in mind? Any experiences that you could share or any advice as to how investing remotely could work? 
    0Reply
  • Marius Fleischer
    OP
    Member since 2024 · 8 posts · 11 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Zeke Liston:
    Quote from @Marius Fleischer:

    Hey! I am planning to buy my first investment property. I am looking at Licking County, Jeffersonville, Columbus, Cleveland, OH; McAllen, TX; and Fayetteville, NC. Can anyone convince me why I should start investing in these areas and share more details based on their knowledge/experience? This would also help me narrow it down.  

    Thanks! 


     There are pros and cons to all of these different markets. I can speak for Cleveland and Columbus as an investor in both markets. To keep it short and very general: 

    Cleveland=more cash flow, less appreciation. 

    Columbus=more appreciation, less cash flow. 

    Hi Zeke, I would love to know more about your experiences - let's connect.
    1Reply
  • Zeke Liston
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus, OH · Member since 2018 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    2y
    Quote from @Marius Fleischer:
    Quote from @Zeke Liston:
    Quote from @Marius Fleischer:

    Hey! I am planning to buy my first investment property. I am looking at Licking County, Jeffersonville, Columbus, Cleveland, OH; McAllen, TX; and Fayetteville, NC. Can anyone convince me why I should start investing in these areas and share more details based on their knowledge/experience? This would also help me narrow it down.  

    Thanks! 


     There are pros and cons to all of these different markets. I can speak for Cleveland and Columbus as an investor in both markets. To keep it short and very general: 

    Cleveland=more cash flow, less appreciation. 

    Columbus=more appreciation, less cash flow. 

    Hi Zeke, I would love to know more about your experiences - let's connect.

     Sounds good. 

    0Reply
  • Sam McCormackBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Cincinnati, OH/NKY · Member since 2021 · 1k+ posts · 833 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Marius Fleischer:
    Quote from @Sam McCormack:
    Quote from @Marius Fleischer:

    Hey! I am planning to buy my first investment property. I am looking at Licking County, Jeffersonville, Columbus, Cleveland, OH; McAllen, TX; and Fayetteville, NC. Can anyone convince me why I should start investing in these areas and share more details based on their knowledge/experience? This would also help me narrow it down.  

    Thanks! 


     Try looking in Cincinnati as well, especially NKY (so Greater Cincinnati). They are similar to both of these markets, but like Columbus it is growing. And unlike Cleveland, it isn't declining in population. If you want more info let's talk

    Hi Sam, thanks for your thoughts! In which markets are you personally investing lately? I would love to connect and learn more about your experience. What is the best way to reach you?


     Just sent you a DM!

    [email protected]859-443-4952
    Sam McCormack Realtor
    View Page
    0Reply
  • Min ZhangBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    2y
    Quote from @Marius Fleischer:
    Quote from @Min Zhang:

    Hey Marius, welcome to BiggerPockets! You’re in the right place to learn about real estate investing. I started off in Columbus, and grew up in Cleveland. I would say, the Ohio market in general is a very beginner friendly state to get started with your real estate journey. I have seen so much growth in Columbus when it comes to appreciation and job opportunities which I have experienced. On average, 80 people move into Columbus weekly. On the other hand, if you have a lower budget, let’s say $100-$150k. Cleveland would be a great market for you. I have experienced cash flow anywhere from 10-18% with so much more to offer. As a real estate agent and an investor, I am on the market daily and explore opportunities for myself and my clients.

    Let me know if you need assistance!

     Hi Min, thanks for these great insights and the welcoming response! Have you been personally investing in the Columbus market lately? Can you share more about your investment experience (and potentially some more concrete figures) in Columbus? Do you work with remote clients? I would love to connect. What is the best way to reach you?


     I have been actively buying single family value add rental properties in Columbus, Ohio for the past 2 years. Sent you a DM. 

    [email protected]614-412-2912
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  • Joseph Pappas
    Lender · Nationwide · Member since 2024 · 12 posts · 5 votes
    2y

    Simply, there are pros and cons with everything you do or what you think you want to do and when you do something you may find there is something better. Just remember the most important thing is you choose to do something, stopped reading the book and listen to others advice. Many will just become educated and do nothing which honestly most of us are. You already know, believe in it and do it. What's the difference in 10k in rental profit in CA vs FL. Nothing it's 10k. If you're asking because it's going to be your first couple of problems, why not be the first couple of properties in the area where you live so I'm comfortable with and then boom then expand to another territory? Own your actions and do.  Yes,  Sometimes if not often, we all ask for too much advice, even I make that mistake allot. Easy to talk, just make a choice and do. You've already won by just making a choice and taking action because the majority do not. Hopefully this allows you to your market faster or another faster and move forward

    1Reply
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