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

Chris McNamara
OP
Member since 2025 · 8 posts · 17 votes
11mo
Quote from @Min Zhang:

Love the detail in your plan, Chris! It sounds like you've really thought this through. Shaker and the east side do have a good amount of duplexes/triples at lower price points, and the BRRRR + Section 8 angle can work well as long as you're careful with rehab numbers and block by block differences.

Your idea of coming out in 2026 to meet GCs, lenders, and agents is the right move. Seeing projects in person and interviewing your team will give you a much clearer sense of what’s realistic in the Midwest in terms of timelines, inspections, and rehab costs.

If you want to compare notes on underwriting or what typical renovations look like out here, happy to chat. And definitely keep the community posted as your trip gets closer since there are plenty of local investors who’d grab a coffee and share their experiences. Excited to see you get this going!

Thank you so much, Min! Sent you a message and really look forward to connecting!
1 Reply

Jimmy LieuBusiness Member

Real Estate Agent · Columbus, OH · Member since 2019 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes

[email protected]614-300-7535

Quote from @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!!!!

Hey Chris, welcome to BiggerPockets! Sounds like you've really thought through your strategy and have a solid plan, especially with the BRRRR approach and your experience in real estate. While Shaker Heights and the Cleveland area definitely have potential, I'd also suggest keeping an eye on Columbus, Ohio if you're open to considering another strong market. I moved from Portland in 2020 and now own 10+ rentals here, and the market has been incredible for cash flow and long-term appreciation. You can still find solid single families and small multifamilies in the $120–180K range that hit the 1% rule and rent very reliably, and with major companies like Intel, Amazon, Google, FB, Honda, Microsoft, LG, and Anduril moving and expanding, the job and population growth really support strong rental demand. Columbus is also very landlord-friendly, making long-distance investing easier, and you can find dependable GCs, lenders, and agents once you start building your network here. Your detailed approach and systems mindset will serve you well, and starting in a market like this could give you both cash flow and appreciation while scaling your portfolio. Happy to connect and answer any questions you have!

Jimmy Lieu, Red 1 Realty4.9124 Reviews

Chris McNamara
OP
Member since 2025 · 8 posts · 17 votes
11mo
Quote from @Jimmy Lieu:

Quote from @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!!!!
Hey Chris, welcome to BiggerPockets! Sounds like you've really thought through your strategy and have a solid plan, especially with the BRRRR approach and your experience in real estate. While Shaker Heights and the Cleveland area definitely have potential, I'd also suggest keeping an eye on Columbus, Ohio if you're open to considering another strong market. I moved from Portland in 2020 and now own 10+ rentals here, and the market has been incredible for cash flow and long-term appreciation. You can still find solid single families and small multifamilies in the $120–180K range that hit the 1% rule and rent very reliably, and with major companies like Intel, Amazon, Google, FB, Honda, Microsoft, LG, and Anduril moving and expanding, the job and population growth really support strong rental demand. Columbus is also very landlord-friendly, making long-distance investing easier, and you can find dependable GCs, lenders, and agents once you start building your network here. Your detailed approach and systems mindset will serve you well, and starting in a market like this could give you both cash flow and appreciation while scaling your portfolio. Happy to connect and answer any questions you have!

Really appreciate this, Jimmy! I actually would be open to Columbus as well! Would love to connect some time in early 2026. I saved your contact and will 100% reach out. I like Columbus personally, so that would be a fun area for me to explore. My younger brother went to Ohio St.. maybe this will be a great way to loop him into my business too.
2 Reply

Nicholas L.Pro Member

Flipper/Rehabber · Pittsburgh · Member since 2018 · 6k+ posts · 5k+ votes

@Chris McNamara

a lot of green flags in your post compared to others so that's great.

but just to challenge you a little... why not invest in MA or within a couple hours of where you live? yes, the price points are higher but the upside is you can be more hands on.

with all your background knowledge and skills i just don't get the need to go so far afield.

Chris McNamara
OP
Member since 2025 · 8 posts · 17 votes
11mo
Quote from @Nicholas L.:

@Chris McNamara
a lot of green flags in your post compared to others so that's great.
but just to challenge you a little... why not invest in MA or within a couple hours of where you live? yes, the price points are higher but the upside is you can be more hands on.
with all your background knowledge and skills i just don't get the need to go so far afield.

Appreciate the message, Nicholas! Correct, re: price points - I would need at least 3x capital up front to get started near me vs out of state markets. Also, on even the best deals for small multifamilies in my area, they do not cash flow at all. My goal is financial freedom so this is an essential element in my strategy.
0 Reply

Frankie VozziBusiness Member

Member since 2025 · 392 posts · 99 votes

[email protected]516-888-7750

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.

2 Reply

Chris McNamara
OP
Member since 2025 · 8 posts · 17 votes
11mo
Quote from @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.

Thanks, Frankie! I will 100% be reaching out!
0 Reply

Uri Gofman

Member since 2018 · 150 posts · 200 votes

Hi Chris,

Shaker Heights is a great long term hold in my opinion as are several adjoining areas. I have been investing in the eastern suburbs of Cuyahoga County since 1995. Feel free to reach out when you're in town if you need any further insight. Wishing you only the very best!

Uri

Chris McNamara
OP
Member since 2025 · 8 posts · 17 votes
11mo
Quote from @Uri Gofman:

Hi Chris,
Shaker Heights is a great long term hold in my opinion as are several adjoining areas. I have been investing in the eastern suburbs of Cuyahoga County since 1995. Feel free to reach out when you're in town if you need any further insight. Wishing you only the very best!
Uri

Amazing- thanks, Uri! I will absolutely plan to reach out in the new year. Thanks so much for your willingness to share some insight. Sounds like you are definitely an expert investor in the area!
1 Reply

Stacy RaskinBusiness Member

Lender · Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 533 votes

[email protected]818-770-0340

Hi Chris, sounds like a great plan- love the attention to detail! I do a lot of work in the Cleveland area helping investors with hard money and DSCR loans. Possible to get less down for hard money and DSCR loans depending on your borrower details. Happy to connect.

Bright Skyline517 Reviews

Chris McNamara
OP
Member since 2025 · 8 posts · 17 votes
11mo
Quote from @Stacy Raskin:

Hi Chris, sounds like a great plan- love the attention to detail! I do a lot of work in the Cleveland area helping investors with hard money and DSCR loans. Possible to get less down for hard money and DSCR loans depending on your borrower details. Happy to connect.

Great to know! Thanks so much for the note, Stacy. I will definitely be reaching out!
0 Reply
Stacy RaskinBusiness Member
Lender · Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 533 votes
11mo
Quote from @Chris McNamara:

Quote from @Stacy Raskin:

Hi Chris, sounds like a great plan- love the attention to detail! I do a lot of work in the Cleveland area helping investors with hard money and DSCR loans. Possible to get less down for hard money and DSCR loans depending on your borrower details. Happy to connect.

Great to know! Thanks so much for the note, Stacy. I will definitely be reaching out!

Sure- you're welcome. Cool, sounds good!
[email protected]818-770-0340
Bright Skyline517 Reviews
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0 Reply

Arman AhmedPro Member

Real Estate Agent · Columbus Cleveland Dayton, OH · Member since 2024 · 2k+ posts · 975 votes

[email protected]614-418-6081

@Chris McNamara

Hey Chris, I work directly with out-of-state investors across the Cleveland area, including multi-family in Shaker Heights, and also in Columbus, Dayton, and Toledo. I source off-market undervalued properties that cash flow well and have long-term appreciation potential, plus I have boots on the ground to help with rehabs, inspections, and property oversight. If you want a second set of eyes on deals or local insight while planning your first trip, happy to connect.

Chris McNamara
OP
Member since 2025 · 8 posts · 17 votes
11mo
Quote from @Arman Ahmed:

@Chris McNamara
Hey Chris, I work directly with out-of-state investors across the Cleveland area, including multi-family in Shaker Heights, and also in Columbus, Dayton, and Toledo. I source off-market undervalued properties that cash flow well and have long-term appreciation potential, plus I have boots on the ground to help with rehabs, inspections, and property oversight. If you want a second set of eyes on deals or local insight while planning your first trip, happy to connect.

Wow! Thanks so much for the message, Arman! I will absolutely be reaching out in the new year!! Really appreciate it!
0 Reply

Zachariah HaysPro Member

Realtor · Cleveland, OH · Member since 2025 · 18 posts · 4 votes

@Chris McNamara

Your strategy makes sense and in a good area that can/will appreciate while you enjoy the cash flow along the way.

I am a local agent here in Cleveland that works exclusively with out of state investors. Our team has done 150+ transactions this year utilizing turnkey rentals, BRRRRs and flips.

We have lenders, contractors, title companies and inspectors that we work with on a regular basis we would be happy to share with you.

Best of luck and let me know if we can be of any assistance!

[email protected]

Steve K.

Realtor · Boulder, CO · Member since 2016 · 3k+ posts · 5k+ votes

You should talk to @James Wise, and watch some of his videos. He's a straight-shooter as opposed to the many AI-created canned responses you will get on here from Ohio agents. Research some older threads from before BP turned into an AI-bot dominated site.

Some things to consider:

1. Even if planning to self manage I believe you will need a local PM/ agent contact who is local there due to the regulations (there was a thread on here about this at one time).

2. Look into the POS compliance system if you plan to do any rehab. Apparently the building department there can be very challenging. I have a buddy who recently bought a duplex there and then sold it at a loss 12 months later because they ran into issues on the rehab they wanted to do. Complying with the building department's requirements would have put them underwater on the property.

3. I believe that area has the highest property taxes around which can eat into profits.

4. Look into the lead certification requirements

It's probably going to be an uphill battle. Running properties profitably is hard enough for locals who are super hands-on. The combo of low-rent, section 8, using hard money, relying on others for everything, high taxes, difficult inspectors, very old properties = high risk for an out of state investor. I think you'll also find that putting money into rehabbing a lot of these properties will not be worth it as the location won't support a high enough ARV to justify the costs of the rehab.

I would look into some less-expensive markets near you that you can at least drive to when you need to do damage control. If you can afford anything in Roxbury, Mattapan, Lynn, Revere, etc. you'll likely do better there, or if those areas are not in your price range then look farther out like in Lawrence, Springfield, New Bedford, North Adams, Manchester NH, etc. are probably going to provide better returns as you can at least drive there to deal with issues rather than needing to fly every time and deal with everything remotely which means paying a lot more to outsource everything.

Alfath AhmedBusiness Member

Real Estate Agent · Columbus, OH · Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes

[email protected]614-802-5698

Quote from @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!!!!

If you are looking for BRRRR/value add deals, I recommend Columbus. Much more tech growth and opportunity. Cleveland is in between for turnkey properties or flippers that live there.

ReafCo | Ahmed Group 534 Reviews

Jessica Zargari

Member since 2025 · 1 post · 1 vote

10mo

Hi Chris - My husband and I own M&G Restoration LLC, a general contracting company specializing in the BRRR (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance) method. We serve clients in the Cleveland and Shaker Heights areas and are highly experienced with the city's point-of-sale interior and exterior inspection process. In addition to our contracting work, we also own and rehab our own BRRR properties.

We would be interested in bidding out work and would love to connect further. You can reach Patrick at 440-497-8070, or visit our website at www.mandgrestoration.com for more information.

R. Elle Berry

Real Estate Broker · Cleveland, OH · Member since 2016 · 146 posts · 110 votes

10mo

Quote from @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!!!!

Hi Chris,

It's clear you've put a lot of thought into your strategy. Your BRRR approach is very solid for this market, and Shaker Heights can absolutely support what you're aiming to do when approached correctly. You're right on several key points. Shaker Heights does offer a relatively low acquisition entry point compared to other Cleveland suburbs, a steady supply of 2–3 family homes, strong long-term appreciation, and very strong rental demand. Section 8 performs particularly well here; payment standards are solid, demand is consistent, and many investors successfully achieve higher stabilized rents than true market rates when units are properly renovated and well-managed.

Two key points, Shaker Heights does have higher property taxes than many East side suburbs. That said, the city offers a wide range of neighborhoods from higher to mid-income areas and more affordable pockets which allows flexibility depending on your target rent and your budget. The key is underwriting conservatively with taxes fully factored in so they don’t erode cash flow after stabilization.

Secondly, Shaker Heights has a Point of Sale (POS) inspection process, and the city is known for being very thorough. Properties typically go through multiple inspections until all violations are cleared. This isn’t a negative, but it does require planning. Investors should budget for repair violations / placing funds in escrow with the city until the repairs are complete.

You’re absolutely right to focus on building a strong local team. A reliable GC experienced with Shaker Heights inspections, a hard money lender comfortable with multifamily rehabs, and a local bank for the refi are all critical. Having boots-on the ground professionals who understand the city’s expectations will save you time, money, and frustration especially as an out of state investor.

I’d be happy to connect when you’re planning your early 2026 visit. And I can also introduce you to other investors who’ve executed similar strategies in Shaker Heights and nearby East side markets. Looking forward to connecting.

Vijay Friedman

Miami, FL · Member since 2026 · 766 posts · 124 votes

5mo

Quote from @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!!!!

@Chris McNamara
Sounds like you've put a lot of thought into the strategy before jumping in. Are you leaning more toward Section 8-focused properties for cash flow, or are you also considering market-rate rentals in some of those eastern Cleveland suburbs?

[email protected]786-494-6766

Robert EllisBusiness Member

Developer · Miami, FL · Member since 2014 · 3k+ posts · 1k+ votes

5mo

Quote from @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!!!!

If I were making that trip today, I'd spend less time interviewing lenders and contractors and more time validating whether the BRRRR model still works in the exact neighborhoods you're targeting. A lot of investors start with a market and then force a strategy onto it, when the better approach is confirming that the spread between acquisition cost, renovation cost, rent potential, and refinance value is actually large enough to support the strategy.

The reason I say that is Cleveland has some areas where BRRRR can work extremely well and others where renovation costs, inspections, taxes, and refinance values can completely change the math. Before building a team, I'd want proof that multiple deals completed in the last 12 months achieved the results you're underwriting today. Once that is validated, finding lenders, contractors, and agents becomes much easier because you know the model works.

Have you identified actual completed BRRRR projects in Shaker Heights that support the refinance values and rent assumptions you're using today?

Section 8 Launch52 Reviews

Garrett CrosbyPro Member

Real Estate Agent · Los Angeles, United States · Member since 2021 · 392 posts · 163 votes

5mo

Robert's question about validated comps is the most important thing you can address before you build a whole team around an unproven thesis. The BRRRR model only works in specific neighborhoods with specific price/rent/ARV dynamics, and those dynamics can shift quite a bit block by block in Shaker Heights.

As someone who manages OOS rentals myself (I have properties in Fayetteville NC from my base in LA), the thing I'd emphasize most for your first trip is: spend as much time underwriting the neighborhoods as you do interviewing contractors. The Point of Sale inspection point Steve raised is real — Shaker's POS process is thorough and experienced investors there budget for it, but newer OOS investors often don't know what they're walking into until they're in it.

Your section 8 instinct is solid for the right submarkets in that area. The team you build will be critical — your property manager and your GC are more important in an OOS market than any market analysis. Get those relationships locked in early and test them on a small deal before you scale. Feel free to DM if you want to talk through the OOS investor approach.

[email protected]