First-Time Landlord in Columbus Seeking Step-by-Step Guidance

Columbus, Ohio
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First-Time Landlord in Columbus Seeking Step-by-Step Guidance

Shirley Kocho
Member since 2023 · 6 posts · 9 votes

Hi,
I’m looking for someone who can provide step-by-step guidance on how to manage my own properties in Columbus, Ohio. I have no prior experience, so I’m hoping someone can help me learn the process.

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Samuel DioufBusiness Member
Real Estate Agent · Columbus & Cleveland, OH · Member since 2023 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
9mo

Hey Shirley, I would start by making sure you're buying in higher quality areas so you don't run into to many issues. 

After that, you'll want to make sure you build a high-quality team that consists of an agent for showings and leasing, a contractor/handyman for call-ins, and an attorney for any legal issues with tenants. You'll also want to make sure you have a decent software for the management and rent collection. 

It's a pretty straightforward process from there. 

[email protected]614-662-1652
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  • Samuel DioufBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus & Cleveland, OH · Member since 2023 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    9mo

    Hey Shirley, I would start by making sure you're buying in higher quality areas so you don't run into to many issues. 

    After that, you'll want to make sure you build a high-quality team that consists of an agent for showings and leasing, a contractor/handyman for call-ins, and an attorney for any legal issues with tenants. You'll also want to make sure you have a decent software for the management and rent collection. 

    It's a pretty straightforward process from there. 

    [email protected]614-662-1652
    Reafco - Samuel Diouf528 Reviews
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    2Reply
  • Remington LymanBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus, OH · Member since 2017 · 6k+ posts · 7k+ votes
    9mo
    Quote from @Shirley Kocho:

    Hi,
    I’m looking for someone who can provide step-by-step guidance on how to manage my own properties in Columbus, Ohio. I have no prior experience, so I’m hoping someone can help me learn the process.


     I can help talk through it with you. Are you local?

    [email protected]614-541-8475Podcast Guest on Show My Job Laid Me Off, So I Replaced My Salary with Rentals
    Reafco512 Reviews
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    • Shirley Kocho
      OP
      Member since 2023 · 6 posts · 9 votes
      9mo
      Quote from @Remington Lyman:
      Quote from @Shirley Kocho:

      Hi,
      I’m looking for someone who can provide step-by-step guidance on how to manage my own properties in Columbus, Ohio. I have no prior experience, so I’m hoping someone can help me learn the process.


       I can help talk through it with you. Are you local?

      Hi Remington,

      I’m originally from Colorado, but I’m currently in Columbus, Ohio, looking for a trustworthy handyman who can handle multiple types of work. I plan to do the rest myself. I’ve given up on finding a property management company because I’m not getting anything from my investment , so I’m hoping someone here can help.

      1Reply
    • Remington LymanBusiness Member
      Real Estate Agent · Columbus, OH · Member since 2017 · 6k+ posts · 7k+ votes
      9mo
      Quote from @Shirley Kocho:
      Quote from @Remington Lyman:
      Quote from @Shirley Kocho:

      Hi,
      I’m looking for someone who can provide step-by-step guidance on how to manage my own properties in Columbus, Ohio. I have no prior experience, so I’m hoping someone can help me learn the process.


       I can help talk through it with you. Are you local?

      Hi Remington,

      I’m originally from Colorado, but I’m currently in Columbus, Ohio, looking for a trustworthy handyman who can handle multiple types of work. I plan to do the rest myself. I’ve given up on finding a property management company because I’m not getting anything from my investment , so I’m hoping someone here can help.


       Nice! That is a smart way to do it

      [email protected]614-541-8475Podcast Guest on Show My Job Laid Me Off, So I Replaced My Salary with Rentals
      Reafco512 Reviews
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  • Alfath AhmedBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus, OH · Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    9mo
    Quote from @Shirley Kocho:

    Hi,
    I’m looking for someone who can provide step-by-step guidance on how to manage my own properties in Columbus, Ohio. I have no prior experience, so I’m hoping someone can help me learn the process.


     Lease on zillow premium. Facebook and other software is not really worth it. 

    Create templates. You can manage for free on apartments.com software.

    [email protected]614-802-5698
    ReafCo | Ahmed Group 534 Reviews
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  • Kerlous TadresBusiness Member
    Realtor · Columbus, OH · Member since 2023 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    9mo
    I’d recommend starting with one property in a good Columbus area, screening tenants well, and using simple software for rent and maintenance. I’m local to Columbus and happy to help if you need guidance.
    [email protected]614-490-1163
    Kerlous Tadres | Reafco Real Estate542 Reviews
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  • Arman AhmedPro Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus Cleveland Dayton, OH · Member since 2024 · 2k+ posts · 969 votes
    9mo

    @Shirley Kocho

    Welcome to investing! A good place to start is by focusing on one quality property in a strong Columbus neighborhood. From there, you can get hands-on experience with tenant screening, rent collection, and basic maintenance without getting overwhelmed. It also helps to have a small, reliable team, like a handyman or contractor you trust, to make managing everything smoother. Once you’re comfortable, you can gradually scale to multiple properties while keeping control and cash flow steady.

    [email protected]614-418-6081
    1Reply
  • Mark Cruse
    Investor · Fort Washington, MD · Member since 2014 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    9mo

    Well, it appears you already have the property. Depending on the asset class you will be dealing with different things. If class C or below, it must be strong emphasis on understanding the community you are serving and the culture. Know what is going on in the community. I honestly hope it's a higher class. I started off in class D, because no PM would touch the community. It was serious challenges and multiple mistakes I made. That is what made me an expert at managing, but I would never recommend that for anyone else. With class A and B it's much easier. With all class levels, know how to screen. You can get great high-end tenants quickly for high level assets. Make sure you are good and respectful landlord who offers a good service and you will be ok. You will make mistakes but learn from them. Good luck. 

    1Reply
  • Patrick DruryBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus, OH & Cleveland OH · Member since 2021 · 1k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    9mo

    @Account Closed
    If you are investing in C-class rentals, I wouldn't recommend self-managing out of state. I would recommend hiring a property manager that is local 

    [email protected]614-412-4565
    Reafco-556 Reviews
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  • Gia Hermosillo
    Property Manager · Member since 2024 · 117 posts · 112 votes
    9mo

    Managing property successfully goes well beyond day-to-day operations. With the right team, you gain guidance on market strategy, compliance, leasing decisions, tenant selection, and long-term asset performance—especially important if you’re new to the process.

    Many owners start by looking for “how-to” support, and what actually helps most is having experienced professionals who can walk you through each step while helping you avoid costly mistakes. If you’d like guidance tailored to Columbus and your specific goals, feel free to reach out—we’re always happy to be a resource.

    1Reply
  • Marc RiceBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus Cleveland Dayton, OH · Member since 2018 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    8mo
    Quote from @Shirley Kocho:

    Hi,
    I’m looking for someone who can provide step-by-step guidance on how to manage my own properties in Columbus, Ohio. I have no prior experience, so I’m hoping someone can help me learn the process.

    Hi Shirley, own 50+ units in Columbus. Happy to help!

    [email protected]614-363-2787
    Marc Rice | Investor Friendly Agent at Reafco Tailwind Team574 Reviews
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