New Out-of-State Investor Targeting Columbus, OH

Patrick DruryBusiness Member

Real Estate Agent · Columbus, OH & Cleveland OH · Member since 2021 · 1k+ posts · 2k+ votes

[email protected]614-412-4565

@Roy Nackar
If you are looking for BRRRR deals I recommend checking out areas like Hilltop, Linden, Eastmoor, Whitehall, and Franklinton. These are areas where you can find BRRRR deals or deals that meet the 1% rule in Columbus because the rent-to-price ratio is favorable. Out of these areas, Franklinton and Linden are seeing some of the most development. With things like the ONE Linden plan in Linden, which is a 50M plan to improve the neighborhood. Of that 50M, 25M was allocated for the construction of a new recreational facility that has since been completed. Franklinton has been seeing lots of developments like the completion of Gravity Phase 1 and phases 2 and 3 on the way. As well as coffee shops like Bottoms Up Coffee are moving in and small microbreweries like Brew Dog and Land Grant.

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Roy Nackar

OP

New to Real Estate · Columbus, OH · Member since 2025 · 4 posts · 9 votes

Hi @Patrick Drury and @Jaycee Greene,

Thank you both so much for taking the time to reply and share your insights!

@Patrick Drury - I really appreciate the detailed suggestions on areas like Hilltop, Linden, Eastmoor, Whitehall, and Franklinton for BRRRR, along with the context about ongoing development. That's very helpful information.

@Jaycee Greene - Thanks for the recommendation to connect with @Robert Ellis for the local developer/contractor side of things in Columbus. That's a great pointer.

Grateful for the valuable input from both of you!

Jimmy LieuBusiness Member

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

[email protected]614-300-7535

Quote from @Roy Nackar:

Hey BiggerPockets community!

My name is Roy, and I'm excited to introduce myself. I'm a rookie out-of-state real estate investor currently immersing myself in BiggerPockets videos, podcasts, and books. I'm also enrolled in a BRRRR-focused mentorship program to help get started.

I'm currently based out-of-state but am focused on investing in the Columbus, OH MSA market. My primary goal over the next three months is to acquire my first long-term single-family rental property there.

Longer-term, I aim to steadily grow my portfolio using strategies like BRRRR and potentially flips, with a focus on long-term rentals. My ultimate goal isn't necessarily vast wealth, but achieving financial freedom and security through real estate. Networking with experienced local investors, agents, property managers, and contractors in the Columbus area is also a key objective for me right now.

I've received some cautionary feedback about investing there. For those of you familiar with the area, I'd appreciate your insights: What potential challenges or specific downsides should a new out-of-state investor be particularly aware of in the current Columbus market? I'm eager to understand any perspectives I might be missing.

Thanks for having me! I'm looking forward to learning from and connecting with you all.

Hey Roy, I own over 10+ rentals in the Columbus Ohio market and have helped many clients invest here as a realtor so I can definitely answer this question. Personally, I wouldn't say there are any downsides specifically to the Columbus Ohio market. Instead, I would say when it comes to out-of-state investing, you need to absolutely make sure you're working with a great investor agent. There are A LOT of bad investor agents out there who don't know anything about investing and only care about making an extra buck...

You should have an investor agent who can help with the following...
1. Finding you personalized deal flow (on-market, off-market, pocket listings)
2. Being able to consult on whether a location is good or bad for an investment property
3. Being able to estimate renovations and provide a scope of work
4. Being able to help you build your real estate team (PM, contractors, lenders, etc)
5. Helping you with your deal analysis and provide consultation on your numbers

With that being said, I'd definitely recommend looking at Columbus Ohio! It's a super affordable real estate market where you can still find deals that hit the 1% rule anywhere from $120-180k purchase price. It's one of the hottest markets in the US right now with so much population growth, job growth, and companies moving/developing here (26B Intel headquarters being built here, 68K+ enrollment in Ohio State University, Amazon, FB, Google, Honda, Microsoft, LG, Nationwide, Anduril, etc.). You can still find positive cash flow (aka the 1% rule) and amazing appreciation potential. Happy to connect and answer any questions you have!

Jimmy Lieu, Red 1 Realty4.9124 Reviews

Roy Nackar
OP
New to Real Estate · Columbus, OH · Member since 2025 · 4 posts · 9 votes
1y
Quote from @Jimmy Lieu:

Quote from @Roy Nackar:

Hey BiggerPockets community!

My name is Roy, and I'm excited to introduce myself. I'm a rookie out-of-state real estate investor currently immersing myself in BiggerPockets videos, podcasts, and books. I'm also enrolled in a BRRRR-focused mentorship program to help get started.

I'm currently based out-of-state but am focused on investing in the Columbus, OH MSA market. My primary goal over the next three months is to acquire my first long-term single-family rental property there.

Longer-term, I aim to steadily grow my portfolio using strategies like BRRRR and potentially flips, with a focus on long-term rentals. My ultimate goal isn't necessarily vast wealth, but achieving financial freedom and security through real estate. Networking with experienced local investors, agents, property managers, and contractors in the Columbus area is also a key objective for me right now.
I've received some cautionary feedback about investing there. For those of you familiar with the area, I'd appreciate your insights: What potential challenges or specific downsides should a new out-of-state investor be particularly aware of in the current Columbus market? I'm eager to understand any perspectives I might be missing.

Thanks for having me! I'm looking forward to learning from and connecting with you all.

Hey Roy, I own over 10+ rentals in the Columbus Ohio market and have helped many clients invest here as a realtor so I can definitely answer this question. Personally, I wouldn't say there are any downsides specifically to the Columbus Ohio market. Instead, I would say when it comes to out-of-state investing, you need to absolutely make sure you're working with a great investor agent. There are A LOT of bad investor agents out there who don't know anything about investing and only care about making an extra buck...

You should have an investor agent who can help with the following...
1. Finding you personalized deal flow (on-market, off-market, pocket listings)
2. Being able to consult on whether a location is good or bad for an investment property
3. Being able to estimate renovations and provide a scope of work
4. Being able to help you build your real estate team (PM, contractors, lenders, etc)
5. Helping you with your deal analysis and provide consultation on your numbers

With that being said, I'd definitely recommend looking at Columbus Ohio! It's a super affordable real estate market where you can still find deals that hit the 1% rule anywhere from $120-180k purchase price. It's one of the hottest markets in the US right now with so much population growth, job growth, and companies moving/developing here (26B Intel headquarters being built here, 68K+ enrollment in Ohio State University, Amazon, FB, Google, Honda, Microsoft, LG, Nationwide, Anduril, etc.). You can still find positive cash flow (aka the 1% rule) and amazing appreciation potential. Happy to connect and answer any questions you have!

Thanks Jimmy! Appreciate the input
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Ko KashiwagiPro Member

Lender · Los Angeles, CA · Member since 2022 · 967 posts · 445 votes

Hi Roy,

In my view, there's two biggest hurdles for out of state investors:

1. Location - knowing which areas/neighborhoods/streets to avoid. There has to be more due diligence than asking the agents for their opinion. You want to know exactly what kind of area it is. If you're doing out of state, you might as well take advantage of that and buy in the BEST location because you are not tied to distance.

2. Contractors - finding the right person who will not run with your money, stick to timelines and give you a close to accurate estimate. This can be enhanced with your other team members like PMs, boots on the ground and agents.

I see a lot of my clients getting into Columbus and it sounds like a great area. Good luck!!

310-848-9776

James Wise

Real Estate Broker · Cleveland Dayton Cincinnati Toledo Columbus & Akron, OH · Member since 2013 · 31k+ posts · 20k+ votes

Quote from @Roy Nackar:

Hey BiggerPockets community!

My name is Roy, and I'm excited to introduce myself. I'm a rookie out-of-state real estate investor currently immersing myself in BiggerPockets videos, podcasts, and books. I'm also enrolled in a BRRRR-focused mentorship program to help get started.

I'm currently based out-of-state but am focused on investing in the Columbus, OH MSA market. My primary goal over the next three months is to acquire my first long-term single-family rental property there.

Longer-term, I aim to steadily grow my portfolio using strategies like BRRRR and potentially flips, with a focus on long-term rentals. My ultimate goal isn't necessarily vast wealth, but achieving financial freedom and security through real estate. Networking with experienced local investors, agents, property managers, and contractors in the Columbus area is also a key objective for me right now.

I've received some cautionary feedback about investing there. For those of you familiar with the area, I'd appreciate your insights: What potential challenges or specific downsides should a new out-of-state investor be particularly aware of in the current Columbus market? I'm eager to understand any perspectives I might be missing.

Thanks for having me! I'm looking forward to learning from and connecting with you all.

Columbus keyword alert activated.....................

INCOMING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Sam McCormackBusiness Member
Real Estate Agent · Cincinnati, OH/NKY · Member since 2021 · 1k+ posts · 834 votes
1y
Quote from @James Wise:

Quote from @Roy Nackar:

Hey BiggerPockets community!

My name is Roy, and I'm excited to introduce myself. I'm a rookie out-of-state real estate investor currently immersing myself in BiggerPockets videos, podcasts, and books. I'm also enrolled in a BRRRR-focused mentorship program to help get started.

I'm currently based out-of-state but am focused on investing in the Columbus, OH MSA market. My primary goal over the next three months is to acquire my first long-term single-family rental property there.

Longer-term, I aim to steadily grow my portfolio using strategies like BRRRR and potentially flips, with a focus on long-term rentals. My ultimate goal isn't necessarily vast wealth, but achieving financial freedom and security through real estate. Networking with experienced local investors, agents, property managers, and contractors in the Columbus area is also a key objective for me right now.
I've received some cautionary feedback about investing there. For those of you familiar with the area, I'd appreciate your insights: What potential challenges or specific downsides should a new out-of-state investor be particularly aware of in the current Columbus market? I'm eager to understand any perspectives I might be missing.

Thanks for having me! I'm looking forward to learning from and connecting with you all.

Columbus keyword alert activated.....................
INCOMING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

🫨🫨
[email protected]859-443-4952
Sam McCormack Realtor
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Remington LymanBusiness Member

Real Estate Agent · Columbus, OH · Member since 2017 · 6k+ posts · 7k+ votes

[email protected]614-541-8475 Podcast Guest on Show My Job Laid Me Off, So I Replaced My Salary with Rentals

Quote from @Roy Nackar:

Hey BiggerPockets community!

My name is Roy, and I'm excited to introduce myself. I'm a rookie out-of-state real estate investor currently immersing myself in BiggerPockets videos, podcasts, and books. I'm also enrolled in a BRRRR-focused mentorship program to help get started.

I'm currently based out-of-state but am focused on investing in the Columbus, OH MSA market. My primary goal over the next three months is to acquire my first long-term single-family rental property there.

Longer-term, I aim to steadily grow my portfolio using strategies like BRRRR and potentially flips, with a focus on long-term rentals. My ultimate goal isn't necessarily vast wealth, but achieving financial freedom and security through real estate. Networking with experienced local investors, agents, property managers, and contractors in the Columbus area is also a key objective for me right now.

I've received some cautionary feedback about investing there. For those of you familiar with the area, I'd appreciate your insights: What potential challenges or specific downsides should a new out-of-state investor be particularly aware of in the current Columbus market? I'm eager to understand any perspectives I might be missing.

Thanks for having me! I'm looking forward to learning from and connecting with you all.

The challenges OOS investors face are consistent across most markets. Many investors come to believe that they can invest without using their own money by following the BRRRR strategy, as suggested in numerous books. However, this approach can be quite difficult to execute successfully, particularly for first-time investors. Working with a new contractor for the first time can pose significant risks, especially when undertaking large renovations which are often needed for a BRRRR. It's advisable to start with a turnkey property and gradually progress to more complex strategies like BRRRR after completing a few successful deals. New investors often find themselves in less desirable neighborhoods for their first purchase, drawn by the promise of higher cash flow. However, they soon realize the challenges of collecting rent and managing the increased expenses associated with owning a property in such areas.

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Harrison Chow

Real Estate Agent · Columbus, OH · Member since 2019 · 292 posts · 364 votes

Hey Roy—welcome to BiggerPockets! Columbus is a fantastic market for long‑term rentals, but here are a few things to keep on your radar as an out‑of‑state investor:

Local property management is mission‑critical.
- Vet at least two or three companies—you’ll want a PM that excels at tenant screening, handles Ohio’s ~45‑day eviction timeline, and understands local repair codes.
- Budget for 8–10% of gross rent on cap‑ex and maintenance; older homes here often hide deferred repairs (think lead paint, knob‑and‑tube wiring).
Know your neighborhoods and comps.
- Focus on Franklinton, Whitehall, and Linden—where yields tend to be higher but rehabs can be more involved.
- Double checking on the ARV is crucial before pulling the trigger on a BRRRR deal.

I work with many out‑of‑state investors and own several units outside of Columbus, so I know what it takes to manage from afar and would be happy to share my playbook on financing, contractor referrals, and PM pitfalls—lets connect!

Wale LawalBusiness Member

Real Estate Broker · Houston | Dallas | Austin, TX · Member since 2018 · 5k+ posts · 2k+ votes

[email protected]832-776-9582 Podcast Guest on Show #469

@Roy Nackar

Welcome to BP!

you're taking all the right steps by educating yourself and getting plugged into a mentorship program early on. Columbus, OH has solid fundamentals for long-term rentals, but as an out-of-state investor, make sure you're vetting property managers and contractors thoroughly, as management can make or break your deal. Also, be aware of neighborhood-level differences; some areas look great on paper but might have higher tenant turnover or maintenance costs.

Good luck!

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Marc RiceBusiness Member

Real Estate Agent · Columbus Cleveland Dayton, OH · Member since 2018 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes

[email protected]614-363-2787

Hi Roy, I actively invest in Ohio, if you need any help with anything. On my BP profile you can learn more about my experience in Ohio and resources I have in the local area. Please let me know if you have any questions

Marc Rice | Investor Friendly Agent at Reafco Tailwind Team574 Reviews

Roy Nackar

OP

New to Real Estate · Columbus, OH · Member since 2025 · 4 posts · 9 votes

Just wanted to circle back and say a huge thank you to everyone who commented on my post! Your input has been incredibly helpful, and I've been genuinely surprised by how nice and supportive this Bigger Pockets community is.

On a related note, I've noticed areas like Linden, Franklinton, and Whitehall come up quite a bit in discussions here. Based on some data I've looked at, these often seem to be classified as D locations. From an investment perspective, isn't it generally advised to avoid areas with that classification? Curious to hear your thoughts on investing in these specific neighborhoods.

Jaycee GreenePro Member
Real Estate Consultant · St. Louis MSA · Member since 2024 · 3k+ posts · 728 votes
1y
Quote from @Roy Nackar:

Just wanted to circle back and say a huge thank you to everyone who commented on my post! Your input has been incredibly helpful, and I've been genuinely surprised by how nice and supportive this Bigger Pockets community is.

On a related note, I've noticed areas like Linden, Franklinton, and Whitehall come up quite a bit in discussions here. Based on some data I've looked at, these often seem to be classified as D locations. From an investment perspective, isn't it generally advised to avoid areas with that classification? Curious to hear your thoughts on investing in these specific neighborhoods.

@Roy Nackar Even in real estate, one person's "trash" is another person's "treasure"!
[email protected]
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Mike PaolucciBusiness Member
Realtor · Columbus Cleveland Dayton, OH · Member since 2022 · 504 posts · 556 votes
1y
Quote from @Roy Nackar:

Just wanted to circle back and say a huge thank you to everyone who commented on my post! Your input has been incredibly helpful, and I've been genuinely surprised by how nice and supportive this Bigger Pockets community is.

On a related note, I've noticed areas like Linden, Franklinton, and Whitehall come up quite a bit in discussions here. Based on some data I've looked at, these often seem to be classified as D locations. From an investment perspective, isn't it generally advised to avoid areas with that classification? Curious to hear your thoughts on investing in these specific neighborhoods.

Hey Roy,
I own 3 properties in S Linden (2 duplexes and 1 single). In my opinion, the area is more of a C class type of neighborhood and my units have been doing just fine for me over the years. The city has poured a good amount of money into the area in an effort to revitalize the area and improve it (One Linden Project). Same goes for the west side of town (Hilltop / Franklinton). The city has even approved the plans for a rapid transit system along W Broad (leading into downtown).
Happy to provide additional insights on the neighborhoods.
[email protected]614-892-9184
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Drago Stanimirovic

Real Estate Coach · Miami, FL · Member since 2024 · 1k+ posts · 483 votes

Hey Roy, great to see you getting started with a clear plan, Columbus is a solid market for BRRRR, but it's very block-by-block. Some areas look great on paper but can have tenant or rehab surprises, especially with older homes.

Having a local team you trust agent, contractor, PM is critical. Happy to help you run numbers or structure your first deal.

Drago

John Clark

Member since 2018 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes

Quote from @Roy Nackar:

Hey BiggerPockets community!

My name is Roy, and I'm excited to introduce myself. I'm a rookie out-of-state real estate investor currently immersing myself in BiggerPockets videos, podcasts, and books. I'm also enrolled in a BRRRR-focused mentorship program to help get started.

I'm currently based out-of-state but am focused on investing in the Columbus, OH MSA market. My primary goal over the next three months is to acquire my first long-term single-family rental property there.

Longer-term, I aim to steadily grow my portfolio using strategies like BRRRR and potentially flips, with a focus on long-term rentals. My ultimate goal isn't necessarily vast wealth, but achieving financial freedom and security through real estate. Networking with experienced local investors, agents, property managers, and contractors in the Columbus area is also a key objective for me right now.

I've received some cautionary feedback about investing there. For those of you familiar with the area, I'd appreciate your insights: What potential challenges or specific downsides should a new out-of-state investor be particularly aware of in the current Columbus market? I'm eager to understand any perspectives I might be missing.

Thanks for having me! I'm looking forward to learning from and connecting with you all.

You say that you're new to out-of-state investing, but you don't say what your experience actually is. Have you been investing in your locale for the last ten years? Are you jumping in to the entire landlord thing with out of state investing?

Drop your I-want-to-be-invested-in X-days mentality. You are investing in property and neighborhoods (and people), not calendars.

Now, how much experience do you have, what got you into BRRRR, what is your target neighborhood characteristics, and all the other facts people need to know in order to make intelligent decisions about how to help you?

Scott AllenBusiness Member

Real Estate Agent · Columbus, OH · Member since 2020 · 449 posts · 471 votes

[email protected]614-698-1227

@Roy Nackar Welcome to BiggerPockets, congrats on making the first steps into networking and putting yourself out there. I live and invest here in Columbus while simultaneously helping others get good deals. A single family or multi-family LTR is a great way to get started and make sure that you're getting your core four locked in (Agents, lenders, property managers, and contractors). As you get your feet more wet and start learning the in's and out's of investing, BRRRR's and Flips will make more sense to approach.

If you can find a weekend to do it, come to Columbus and check out the neighborhoods you're looking into in person and the overall drivers in the market.

Just be cautious of working with a uber driving rookie investor agent that's only looking to make a quick buck but lacks legitimate investing experience and dealflow. Reach out if you have any other questions. Best of luck!

Reafco - Columbus, OH