New Investor in Clev Area (Shaker Heights etc) looking for some Recs!!

[Chris McNamara]

Hi All! I live out of state, and looking to invest in small multifamily properties east of Cleveland. I have friends in Ohio, and I like Shaker Heights specifically because of the low entry point acquisition, appears to offer some two and three family property inventory, strong cash flow potential, good school systems, and I believe in the long term appreciation in Cleveland area in general. I have never been to this area personally, but I am committed to fully going for it. I plan on making my first trip out in early 2026 for my initial due diligence and research / interviewing General Contractors, Agents, Lenders. My initial strategy is likely to buy a 2-family that needs work with 25% down using hard money loan to fund the purchase + rehab, get it stabilized/optimized and rented perhaps to section 8 tenants since I like the idea of that guaranteed rent/ seems to offer higher revenue than true market rents (I have been a real estate agent for over 10 years and am aware of the risks/rewards/diligence needed to succeed with section 8 tenants and have worked with many landlords with section 8 tenants but am new to investing myself), then re-finance at a higher appraised value back into a more standard loan while keeping 25% equity into the deal. And then repeat to build a small portfolio. So overall, I'm interested in a small multifamily property, long term rental, BRRRR strategy. I'd love to find a great reliable GC partner to work with for the rehabs, a great hard money lender on the front end, great local bank to refi with on the back end, and a great local agent that can help me navigate the area and the process (I only know the MA real estate transaction process at the moment!). I plan to self manage, at least for a while, so don't need a property manager. I am a detailed person, I have my own residential real estate brokerage in MA, and I want do this right and commit to great systems, do quality rehabs, and set myself up to scale a bit. Thank you so much in advance for any recommendations on great professionals in these areas! Would love to meet up for coffees / lunches after the new year. I'd also love to meet and chat with any local investors who have done well with similar strategy in this area as well to learn from you!!! Appreciate you, BP community!!!!

[Frankie Vozzi]

Hi Chris, welcome to the Cleveland market and Bigger Pockets  love your detailed approach. Your strategy aligns really well with how many out-of-state investors get started in Shaker Heights and the east side. Let's connect I'm happy to help if you want to built financial connections, I sent you a DM.