Looking for someone with experience who bought/owned out of state

[Joshua Piche]

I am based in Socal and have been looking at getting my first out of state property. With Ohio being top of my kist currently . I have decided to try the cash flow route and hope to own a few in the future . I have started taking some steps like speaking with people based in Ohio. But if there is someone who has not only bought but actually owned property in Ohio as an out of state investor Id appreciate your time going over some things or even just hearing your experiences . 

[Melissa Justice]

@Joshua Piche,

Hey! I’ve worked with quite a few out-of-state investors buying in Ohio, and it’s definitely a strong choice for cash flow, especially compared to SoCal numbers. The key is picking the right market and having a solid local team in place.

If you’re already leaning toward Ohio, I’d suggest looking beyond just Columbus or Cincinnati and consider Canton and Akron. These areas often offer better entry prices and higher rent-to-price ratios, which means stronger cash flow potential. The tenant base is generally stable, and you’ll find plenty of working-class neighborhoods that rent quickly.

That said, if you want to diversify your portfolio, there are other affordable, landlord-friendly markets worth putting on your radar:

Memphis, TN – Strong rental demand and historically resilient to market shifts.

Columbus, GA – Military presence + steady job market make for consistent occupancy.

Southaven, MS – Just outside Memphis, low property taxes and strong rental demand.

From an out-of-state standpoint, the most important pieces are:

Property Management – Get this locked in before you buy.

Clear Buy Box – Know your budget, desired cash flow, and property type so you can move quickly when deals pop up.

Local Inspection + Rehab Contacts – Even if you’re going for turnkey, you’ll want your own trusted set of eyes.

Happy to share some real-world numbers from investors in these markets so you can compare cash flow potential before you make a move.

Best of luck!