New to real estate investing
New to Real Estate · Nashville · Member since 2025 · 10 posts · 10 votes
New to real estate investing
Most Popular Reply
Sam McCormackBusiness Member
Real Estate Agent · Cincinnati, OH/NKY · Member since 2021 · 1k+ posts · 834 votesQuote from @Brendan Kinsella:
Hello! My name is Brendan and I am starting my real estate investing journey. I currently live in the Nashville market and am learning as much as I can. I am interested in single family, multi family, and just learned about BRRRR. I have not looked hard into the Nashville market because it seems to have a higher cost to entry. I have looked at Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Chattanooga markets. Working on saving up cash for first investment. I look forward to interacting on here, as this seems like a big first step for me!
Hey Brendan! Welcome! I am in Cincinnati/Northern Ky so let me know if you have any questions! Open to answering any questions you may have whenever you have them!
I saw you responding to Jaycee regarding down payment, and I just wanted to say your down payment amount is a good amount. Definitely the higher end of that for turnkey SFH, but would also be good with down payment on a BRRRR, but they may not give a lot of room for mistakes with the down payment. I would recommend the SFH rental, maybe a condo if it allows it.
Sam McCormack Realtor
30 Replies
- 1yJaycee GreenePro MemberReal Estate Consultant · St. Louis MSA · Member since 2024 · 3k+ posts · 727 votes
Quote from @Brendan Kinsella:
Hello! My name is Brendan and I am starting my real estate investing journey. I currently live in the Nashville market and am learning as much as I can. I am interested in single family, multi family, and just learned about BRRRR. I have not looked hard into the Nashville market because it seems to have a higher cost to entry. I have looked at Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Chattanooga markets. Working on saving up cash for first investment. I look forward to interacting on here, as this seems like a big first step for me!
Hey @Brendan Kinsella, welcome to the BP Forum! What is your price range/down payment amount? Are you looking for turn-key properties or something along the lines of a "fixer upper"?
- New to Real Estate · Nashville · Member since 2025 · 10 posts · 10 votes1y
Quote from @Jaycee Greene:
Quote from @Brendan Kinsella:
Hello! My name is Brendan and I am starting my real estate investing journey. I currently live in the Nashville market and am learning as much as I can. I am interested in single family, multi family, and just learned about BRRRR. I have not looked hard into the Nashville market because it seems to have a higher cost to entry. I have looked at Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Chattanooga markets. Working on saving up cash for first investment. I look forward to interacting on here, as this seems like a big first step for me!
Hey @Brendan Kinsella, welcome to the BP Forum! What is your price range/down payment amount? Are you looking for turn-key properties or something along the lines of a "fixer upper"?
Hey @Jaycee Greene! This is my first response so hopefully I did it right. Price range/down payment is a great question. I am thinking around the $20-50k range. Turn key would be ideal because of my current work schedule. A fixer upper would be a goal further down the road. I love construction so it seems fun.
- 1yJaycee GreenePro MemberReal Estate Consultant · St. Louis MSA · Member since 2024 · 3k+ posts · 727 votes
Quote from @Brendan Kinsella:
Quote from @Jaycee Greene:
Quote from @Brendan Kinsella:
Hello! My name is Brendan and I am starting my real estate investing journey. I currently live in the Nashville market and am learning as much as I can. I am interested in single family, multi family, and just learned about BRRRR. I have not looked hard into the Nashville market because it seems to have a higher cost to entry. I have looked at Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Chattanooga markets. Working on saving up cash for first investment. I look forward to interacting on here, as this seems like a big first step for me!
Hey @Brendan Kinsella, welcome to the BP Forum! What is your price range/down payment amount? Are you looking for turn-key properties or something along the lines of a "fixer upper"?
Hey @Jaycee Greene! This is my first response so hopefully I did it right. Price range/down payment is a great question. I am thinking around the $20-50k range. Turn key would be ideal because of my current work schedule. A fixer upper would be a goal further down the road. I love construction so it seems fun.
@Brendan Kinsella Perfectly done!
With that down payment range, what about this duplex in Chatt: 4107 Fagan St, 37410
- New to Real Estate · Nashville · Member since 2025 · 10 posts · 10 votes1y
Quote from @Jaycee Greene:
Quote from @Brendan Kinsella:
Quote from @Jaycee Greene:
Quote from @Brendan Kinsella:
Hello! My name is Brendan and I am starting my real estate investing journey. I currently live in the Nashville market and am learning as much as I can. I am interested in single family, multi family, and just learned about BRRRR. I have not looked hard into the Nashville market because it seems to have a higher cost to entry. I have looked at Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Chattanooga markets. Working on saving up cash for first investment. I look forward to interacting on here, as this seems like a big first step for me!
Hey @Brendan Kinsella, welcome to the BP Forum! What is your price range/down payment amount? Are you looking for turn-key properties or something along the lines of a "fixer upper"?
Hey @Jaycee Greene! This is my first response so hopefully I did it right. Price range/down payment is a great question. I am thinking around the $20-50k range. Turn key would be ideal because of my current work schedule. A fixer upper would be a goal further down the road. I love construction so it seems fun.
@Brendan Kinsella Perfectly done!
With that down payment range, what about this duplex in Chatt: 4107 Fagan St, 37410
Jaycee,
This property looks like something I would be interested in! After a little TLC, inspection report, and good property management it seems like it could work. I just need to finish saving! Thanks for showing that options are available!
- 1yJaycee GreenePro MemberReal Estate Consultant · St. Louis MSA · Member since 2024 · 3k+ posts · 727 votes
Quote from @Brendan Kinsella:
Quote from @Jaycee Greene:
Quote from @Brendan Kinsella:
Quote from @Jaycee Greene:
Quote from @Brendan Kinsella:
Hello! My name is Brendan and I am starting my real estate investing journey. I currently live in the Nashville market and am learning as much as I can. I am interested in single family, multi family, and just learned about BRRRR. I have not looked hard into the Nashville market because it seems to have a higher cost to entry. I have looked at Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Chattanooga markets. Working on saving up cash for first investment. I look forward to interacting on here, as this seems like a big first step for me!
Hey @Brendan Kinsella, welcome to the BP Forum! What is your price range/down payment amount? Are you looking for turn-key properties or something along the lines of a "fixer upper"?
Hey @Jaycee Greene! This is my first response so hopefully I did it right. Price range/down payment is a great question. I am thinking around the $20-50k range. Turn key would be ideal because of my current work schedule. A fixer upper would be a goal further down the road. I love construction so it seems fun.
@Brendan Kinsella Perfectly done!
With that down payment range, what about this duplex in Chatt: 4107 Fagan St, 37410
Jaycee,
This property looks like something I would be interested in! After a little TLC, inspection report, and good property management it seems like it could work. I just need to finish saving! Thanks for showing that options are available!
@Brendan Kinsella You're very welcome. I try to show people visually what their "buy box" looks like - sometimes they change their buy box when they see what they can afford ;-) good luck!
- 1ySam McCormackBusiness MemberReal Estate Agent · Cincinnati, OH/NKY · Member since 2021 · 1k+ posts · 834 votes
Quote from @Brendan Kinsella:
Hello! My name is Brendan and I am starting my real estate investing journey. I currently live in the Nashville market and am learning as much as I can. I am interested in single family, multi family, and just learned about BRRRR. I have not looked hard into the Nashville market because it seems to have a higher cost to entry. I have looked at Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Chattanooga markets. Working on saving up cash for first investment. I look forward to interacting on here, as this seems like a big first step for me!
Hey Brendan! Welcome! I am in Cincinnati/Northern Ky so let me know if you have any questions! Open to answering any questions you may have whenever you have them!
I saw you responding to Jaycee regarding down payment, and I just wanted to say your down payment amount is a good amount. Definitely the higher end of that for turnkey SFH, but would also be good with down payment on a BRRRR, but they may not give a lot of room for mistakes with the down payment. I would recommend the SFH rental, maybe a condo if it allows it.
Sam McCormack Realtor- New to Real Estate · Nashville · Member since 2025 · 10 posts · 10 votes1y
Quote from @Sam McCormack:
Quote from @Brendan Kinsella:
Hello! My name is Brendan and I am starting my real estate investing journey. I currently live in the Nashville market and am learning as much as I can. I am interested in single family, multi family, and just learned about BRRRR. I have not looked hard into the Nashville market because it seems to have a higher cost to entry. I have looked at Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Chattanooga markets. Working on saving up cash for first investment. I look forward to interacting on here, as this seems like a big first step for me!
Hey Brendan! Welcome! I am in Cincinnati/Northern Ky so let me know if you have any questions! Open to answering any questions you may have whenever you have them!
I saw you responding to Jaycee regarding down payment, and I just wanted to say your down payment amount is a good amount. Definitely the higher end of that for turnkey SFH, but would also be good with down payment on a BRRRR, but they may not give a lot of room for mistakes with the down payment. I would recommend the SFH rental, maybe a condo if it allows it.
Sam,
I have a lot of friends in the NKY/Cincy area, some are also in REI. I have heard mixed reviews on condos. In your experience, what are the pros and cons?
- 1ySam McCormackBusiness MemberReal Estate Agent · Cincinnati, OH/NKY · Member since 2021 · 1k+ posts · 834 votes
Quote from @Brendan Kinsella:
Quote from @Sam McCormack:
Quote from @Brendan Kinsella:
Hello! My name is Brendan and I am starting my real estate investing journey. I currently live in the Nashville market and am learning as much as I can. I am interested in single family, multi family, and just learned about BRRRR. I have not looked hard into the Nashville market because it seems to have a higher cost to entry. I have looked at Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Chattanooga markets. Working on saving up cash for first investment. I look forward to interacting on here, as this seems like a big first step for me!
Hey Brendan! Welcome! I am in Cincinnati/Northern Ky so let me know if you have any questions! Open to answering any questions you may have whenever you have them!
I saw you responding to Jaycee regarding down payment, and I just wanted to say your down payment amount is a good amount. Definitely the higher end of that for turnkey SFH, but would also be good with down payment on a BRRRR, but they may not give a lot of room for mistakes with the down payment. I would recommend the SFH rental, maybe a condo if it allows it.
Sam,
I have a lot of friends in the NKY/Cincy area, some are also in REI. I have heard mixed reviews on condos. In your experience, what are the pros and cons?
I'm not a big fan of condos, I just said it because I commented I saw a condo that actually cash flowed, lol. Small Multifamily is definitely the route to go here
Condos suck for HOA fees, they can change rules after you buy (increasing rates and not allowing rentals/decreasing rentals), SUPER uptight, etc. Plus to be honest, I think condos are meant for homeowners, not investors. I feel the same with single family houses sometimes too. They should be for homeowners primarily, not investors. BRRRR is an example of an exception
SMF is the way to go (most of the time)
Sam McCormack Realtor
- Rental Property Investor · Chattanooga, TN · Member since 2019 · 19 posts · 11 votes1y
Hi Brendan, best of luck in your search! One thing I would recommend is to invest closer to home in the beginning of your journey. Not to be discouraging, but there is often a lot of hype about the ease of investing out of state, when in reality it can be a pain. Especially if you don't have a team in place. Since you're from the Nashville area, I would explore markets like Chattanooga. If you have any questions about the area, let me know!
- 1yMike PaolucciBusiness MemberRealtor · Columbus Cleveland Dayton, OH · Member since 2022 · 502 posts · 553 votes
Quote from @Brendan Kinsella:
Hello! My name is Brendan and I am starting my real estate investing journey. I currently live in the Nashville market and am learning as much as I can. I am interested in single family, multi family, and just learned about BRRRR. I have not looked hard into the Nashville market because it seems to have a higher cost to entry. I have looked at Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Chattanooga markets. Working on saving up cash for first investment. I look forward to interacting on here, as this seems like a big first step for me!
Hey @Brendan Kinsella, welcome to BP! Congrats on taking the first step on a your investing career. I was in a similar position back in 2021 and the cost of local properties made it super hard to find something to buy and ultimately settled on Ohio as well.
You'll want to make sure you have the right teams in place to help your portfolio perform (property manager, lender, contractors, realtor who also invests themselves). Make sure you do plenty of research and look at the economics of your target market. Wouldn't hurt to take a trip to explore and see the area first hand as well.
BRRRR is a very advanced strategy that even local investors often struggle to execute successfully. As a first purchase, I'd recommend something little more turnkey so you get a good foundation on what it's like to invest / manage / own real estate.
Happy to share some of my oos investing experiences from before I moved to Ohio. Good luck on your journey!!
Reafco - Mike Paolucci 512 Reviews- New to Real Estate · Nashville · Member since 2025 · 10 posts · 10 votes1y
Quote from @Mike Paolucci:
Quote from @Brendan Kinsella:
Hello! My name is Brendan and I am starting my real estate investing journey. I currently live in the Nashville market and am learning as much as I can. I am interested in single family, multi family, and just learned about BRRRR. I have not looked hard into the Nashville market because it seems to have a higher cost to entry. I have looked at Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Chattanooga markets. Working on saving up cash for first investment. I look forward to interacting on here, as this seems like a big first step for me!
Hey @Brendan Kinsella, welcome to BP! Congrats on taking the first step on a your investing career. I was in a similar position back in 2021 and the cost of local properties made it super hard to find something to buy and ultimately settled on Ohio as well.
You'll want to make sure you have the right teams in place to help your portfolio perform (property manager, lender, contractors, realtor who also invests themselves). Make sure you do plenty of research and look at the economics of your target market. Wouldn't hurt to take a trip to explore and see the area first hand as well.
BRRRR is a very advanced strategy that even local investors often struggle to execute successfully. As a first purchase, I'd recommend something little more turnkey so you get a good foundation on what it's like to invest / manage / own real estate.
Happy to share some of my oos investing experiences from before I moved to Ohio. Good luck on your journey!!Mike,
Thanks for the advice!
- Member since 2025 · 194 posts · 140 votes1y
Welcome to the group!
No matter what kind of investing you're focused on, two key areas often get overlooked: tax planning and asset protection. While closing deals and growing your portfolio can be exciting, laying a strong foundation in these areas is critical for long-term stability and success.
A well-thought-out tax strategy helps you maximize deductions, choose optimal tax structures, and retain more of your earnings. By planning ahead, you can reduce your tax burden and give yourself more flexibility to reinvest and grow.
Equally important is protecting what you’ve worked hard to build. Real estate investing comes with risks—lawsuits, creditor claims, and more. Without the right legal safeguards, your personal and business assets could be exposed. An effective asset protection plan helps minimize liability, secure your wealth, and prepare you for potential legal challenges.
To navigate both of these areas confidently, build a strong team. Work with a real estate-savvy tax advisor and an asset protection attorney who understands your goals. Getting expert advice early can help you avoid costly mistakes down the road—and give you greater peace of mind as your investments grow.
Wishing you success on your journey!
Disclaimer: This message is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, financial, or investment advice. No professional relationship is created by this communication. Please consult qualified professionals regarding your specific circumstances.
- New to Real Estate · Nashville · Member since 2025 · 10 posts · 10 votes1yE.J.
Quote from @E.J. McCaffrey:
Welcome to the group!
No matter what kind of investing you're focused on, two key areas often get overlooked: tax planning and asset protection. While closing deals and growing your portfolio can be exciting, laying a strong foundation in these areas is critical for long-term stability and success.
A well-thought-out tax strategy helps you maximize deductions, choose optimal tax structures, and retain more of your earnings. By planning ahead, you can reduce your tax burden and give yourself more flexibility to reinvest and grow.
Equally important is protecting what you’ve worked hard to build. Real estate investing comes with risks—lawsuits, creditor claims, and more. Without the right legal safeguards, your personal and business assets could be exposed. An effective asset protection plan helps minimize liability, secure your wealth, and prepare you for potential legal challenges.
To navigate both of these areas confidently, build a strong team. Work with a real estate-savvy tax advisor and an asset protection attorney who understands your goals. Getting expert advice early can help you avoid costly mistakes down the road—and give you greater peace of mind as your investments grow.
Wishing you success on your journey!
Disclaimer: This message is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, financial, or investment advice. No professional relationship is created by this communication. Please consult qualified professionals regarding your specific circumstances.
This is an area I need to look more into for sure! I appreciate the heads up.
- 1ySamuel DioufBusiness MemberReal Estate Agent · Columbus & Cleveland, OH · Member since 2023 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
Welcome to Bigger Pockets Brendan!
Cleveland is a great market to invest in if you're looking for cash-flow. Because of that low barrier to entry, plenty of investors from all over are looking at this city. I highly suggest working with an investor friendly agent so you don't buy in the wrong locations.
I like the west side of Cleveland. Look into neighborhoods like Jefferson, West Boulevard, Cudell, Clark Fulton, Brooklyn Center, Old Brooklyn, and Garfield Heights.
I suggest working with an investor friendly agent so you can get the right guidance!
Reafco - Samuel Diouf528 Reviews- New to Real Estate · Nashville · Member since 2025 · 10 posts · 10 votes1y
Quote from @Samuel Diouf:
Welcome to Bigger Pockets Brendan!
Cleveland is a great market to invest in if you're looking for cash-flow. Because of that low barrier to entry, plenty of investors from all over are looking at this city. I highly suggest working with an investor friendly agent so you don't buy in the wrong locations.
I like the west side of Cleveland. Look into neighborhoods like Jefferson, West Boulevard, Cudell, Clark Fulton, Brooklyn Center, Old Brooklyn, and Garfield Heights.
I suggest working with an investor friendly agent so you can get the right guidance!
Samuel,
I will take a look into these neighborhoods. Thanks so much!
- 1yDrew SygitBusiness MemberProperty Manager · Royal Oak, MI · Member since 2012 · 13k+ posts · 9k+ votes
Recommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.
Why is Property Class so important for investors to understand and apply in their investing strategies?
Because the Property Class dictates the Class of the tenant pool that the property will attract.
The Tenant Class greatly impacts rental income stability and property maintenance/damage by tenants.
Both Property Class and Tenant Class affect what type of contractors, handymen and property management companies will work on a property.
If you buy & renovate a property in Class D area to Class A standards, what Tenant Class will rent it?
Or, if you put several Class D tenants in a Class A four-plex, what do you think will happen to the property?
So, if you fail to apply the correct assumptions to a property, your expectations won’t be met and it may even be a financial disaster.
We use the following to rank Property Classes, in order of importance:
- Property Tenant Pool: closely linked to location, but not always.
- Property Location: closely linked to tenant pool, but not always.
- Property Condition & Amenities: it’s important to, “Maintain to the Neighborhood.”
Key metrics for each Property Class:
Class A Properties:
Tenant Pool: Majority of FICO scores 680+, no convictions/evictions in last 7 years.
Tenant Default: 0-5% probability of eviction or early lease termination.
Section 8: Class A rents are too high and won’t be approved.
Vacancies: 5-10%, depending on market conditions.
Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 3-5 years for positive cashflow, but you get highest relative rent & value appreciation.Class B Properties:
Tenant Pool: Majority of FICO scores 620-680, some blemishes, no convictions/evictions in last 5 years.
Tenant Default: 5-10% probability of eviction or early lease termination.
Vacancies: 10-15%, depending on market conditions.
Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 1-3 years for positive cashflow, balanced amounts of relative rent & value appreciation.
Section 8: Class B rents are usually too high for the Section 8 program.Class C Properties:
Tenant Pool: Majority of FICO scores 560-620, many blemishes, but should have no convictions/evictions in last 3 years. Verifying recent 2-years of rental history very important! Same for 2-years of job/income stability.
Tenant Default: 10-20% probability of eviction or early lease termination.
Section 8: Class C rents usually meet program requirements, proper screening still recommended.
Vacancies: 10-20%, depending on market conditions and tenant screening.
Cashflow vs Appreciation: Should cashflow immediately, at the lower end of relative rent & value appreciation.
Class D Properties:
Tenant Pool: Majority of FICO scores under 560, little to no good tradelines, lots of collections & chargeoffs, but should have no convictions/evictions in last 12 months. Verifying last 2-years of rental history and income/employment extremely important to find the “best of the worst”.
Tenant Default: 20-30% probability of eviction or early lease termination.Section 8: Class D rents meet program requirements, often challenges to pass Section 8 inspection.
Vacancies: 20%+, depending on market conditions and tenant screening.
Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, all cashflow with little, maybe even negative, relative rent & value appreciation.
Where did we get our FICO credit score information from?
Check out this chart:
FICO Score
Pct of Population
Default Probability
800 or more
13.00%
1.00%
750-799
27.00%
1.00%
700-749
18.00%
4.40%
650-699
15.00%
8.90%
600-649
12.00%
15.80%
550-599
8.00%
22.50%
500-549
5.00%
28.40%
Less than 499
2.00%
41.00%
Make sure you understand the Class of properties you are looking at and the corresponding results to expect.
Metro Detroit has 132 cities, the City of Detroit 183 Neighborhoods, which we’re analyzing and classifying. Check out the map on our website where we’ve made this all easy to follow.
We can also share numerous examples of properties & portfolios we’ve assisted investors with!
DM us if you’d like to discuss this logical approach in greater detail!
Logical Property Management4.9465 Reviews- New to Real Estate · Nashville · Member since 2025 · 10 posts · 10 votes1y
Quote from @Drew Sygit:
Recommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.
Why is Property Class so important for investors to understand and apply in their investing strategies?
Because the Property Class dictates the Class of the tenant pool that the property will attract.
The Tenant Class greatly impacts rental income stability and property maintenance/damage by tenants.
Both Property Class and Tenant Class affect what type of contractors, handymen and property management companies will work on a property.
If you buy & renovate a property in Class D area to Class A standards, what Tenant Class will rent it?
Or, if you put several Class D tenants in a Class A four-plex, what do you think will happen to the property?
So, if you fail to apply the correct assumptions to a property, your expectations won’t be met and it may even be a financial disaster.
We use the following to rank Property Classes, in order of importance:
- Property Tenant Pool: closely linked to location, but not always.
- Property Location: closely linked to tenant pool, but not always.
- Property Condition & Amenities: it’s important to, “Maintain to the Neighborhood.”
Key metrics for each Property Class:
Class A Properties:
Tenant Pool: Majority of FICO scores 680+, no convictions/evictions in last 7 years.
Tenant Default: 0-5% probability of eviction or early lease termination.
Section 8: Class A rents are too high and won’t be approved.
Vacancies: 5-10%, depending on market conditions.
Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 3-5 years for positive cashflow, but you get highest relative rent & value appreciation.Class B Properties:
Tenant Pool: Majority of FICO scores 620-680, some blemishes, no convictions/evictions in last 5 years.
Tenant Default: 5-10% probability of eviction or early lease termination.
Vacancies: 10-15%, depending on market conditions.
Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 1-3 years for positive cashflow, balanced amounts of relative rent & value appreciation.
Section 8: Class B rents are usually too high for the Section 8 program.Class C Properties:
Tenant Pool: Majority of FICO scores 560-620, many blemishes, but should have no convictions/evictions in last 3 years. Verifying recent 2-years of rental history very important! Same for 2-years of job/income stability.
Tenant Default: 10-20% probability of eviction or early lease termination.
Section 8: Class C rents usually meet program requirements, proper screening still recommended.
Vacancies: 10-20%, depending on market conditions and tenant screening.
Cashflow vs Appreciation: Should cashflow immediately, at the lower end of relative rent & value appreciation.
Class D Properties:
Tenant Pool: Majority of FICO scores under 560, little to no good tradelines, lots of collections & chargeoffs, but should have no convictions/evictions in last 12 months. Verifying last 2-years of rental history and income/employment extremely important to find the “best of the worst”.
Tenant Default: 20-30% probability of eviction or early lease termination.Section 8: Class D rents meet program requirements, often challenges to pass Section 8 inspection.
Vacancies: 20%+, depending on market conditions and tenant screening.
Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, all cashflow with little, maybe even negative, relative rent & value appreciation.
Where did we get our FICO credit score information from?
Check out this chart:
FICO Score
Pct of Population
Default Probability
800 or more
13.00%
1.00%
750-799
27.00%
1.00%
700-749
18.00%
4.40%
650-699
15.00%
8.90%
600-649
12.00%
15.80%
550-599
8.00%
22.50%
500-549
5.00%
28.40%
Less than 499
2.00%
41.00%
Make sure you understand the Class of properties you are looking at and the corresponding results to expect.
Metro Detroit has 132 cities, the City of Detroit 183 Neighborhoods, which we’re analyzing and classifying. Check out the map on our website where we’ve made this all easy to follow.
We can also share numerous examples of properties & portfolios we’ve assisted investors with!
DM us if you’d like to discuss this logical approach in greater detail!
Drew,
Great information! I had not seen a break down of property classes before or taken property class into consideration, but I am glad you pointed it out!
- 1yWale LawalBusiness MemberReal Estate Broker · Houston | Dallas | Austin, TX · Member since 2018 · 5k+ posts · 2k+ votes
Great to see you're diving into REI with a solid mindset. Since you're still saving, keep sharpening your deal analysis skills and networking in the markets you're targeting—Cincinnati and Cleveland are great for BRRRR with lower entry points. Consider connecting with local agents or wholesalers there to build your team early. When you're ready, start small with a solid cash-flowing single-family or duplex to get momentum and confidence.
Good luck!
NETWORTH BUILDERS5236 Reviews- New to Real Estate · Nashville · Member since 2025 · 10 posts · 10 votes1y
Quote from @Wale Lawal:
Great to see you're diving into REI with a solid mindset. Since you're still saving, keep sharpening your deal analysis skills and networking in the markets you're targeting—Cincinnati and Cleveland are great for BRRRR with lower entry points. Consider connecting with local agents or wholesalers there to build your team early. When you're ready, start small with a solid cash-flowing single-family or duplex to get momentum and confidence.
Good luck!
Wale,
thanks for the advice. I need to start doing more deal analysis in my spare time. Learning so much on here!
- Lender · Elk Grove, CA · Member since 2016 · 190 posts · 94 votes1y
There are deals to be made everywhere. Just pick one market that interests you and go to work.
- Real Estate Agent · Nashville, TN · Member since 2015 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes1y
Quote from @Brendan Kinsella:
Hello! My name is Brendan and I am starting my real estate investing journey. I currently live in the Nashville market and am learning as much as I can. I am interested in single family, multi family, and just learned about BRRRR. I have not looked hard into the Nashville market because it seems to have a higher cost to entry. I have looked at Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Chattanooga markets. Working on saving up cash for first investment. I look forward to interacting on here, as this seems like a big first step for me!
Welcome to the forums. I'm in the Nashville market so if you have any specific questions reach out.
Make sure to check the surrounding counties and smaller towns around Nashville for less expensive markets. Might not quite be as cheap as Ohio but certainly less expensive than Nashville proper.
- 1yKerlous TadresBusiness MemberRealtor · Columbus, OH · Member since 2023 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
Hey Brendan, great markets to be looking into. Nashville’s tough for cash flow, so exploring Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Chattanooga makes sense.
Each has BRRRR potential but focus on picking the right neighborhood class ideally B or C areas with strong rental demand. Avoid D-class unless you're really experienced. While saving, start analyzing deals and zero in on 1–2 zip codes per market. That way, you'll be ready to move fast when the time comes.
Kerlous Tadres | Reafco Real Estate541 Reviews - 1yAndreas MuellerBusiness MemberReal Estate Agent · Nashville, TN · Member since 2019 · 408 posts · 181 votes
Welcome! And if you want to talk real estate, feel free to reach out my fellow BP compatriot.. Always like talking real estate. -Andreas
- 1yChester DavisPro MemberMember since 2023 · 15 posts · 4 votes
First step is connecting with real people and start evaluating properties, regardless of if you can pull the deal.
I evaluated way more than 100 before I was ready to make my first offer. - Realtor · Oklahoma City · Member since 2020 · 258 posts · 139 votes1y
Welcome Brendan!
It's great to hear that you learned about the method! It is definitely a great option to have when looking to scale your portfolio over time. Buying property at the right price then carrying out the BRRRR.
Attending as many free events & getting to chat with more people in person in your current market will be a great resource in Nashville itself. Leaning on more people there on your investing journey will be great. Connecting with commercial DSCR lenders too will also be a great option in order to secure funding. Attending any meetups in order to meet with local wholesalers or agents that work with wholesalers will be good in order to start analyzing deals that may come your way!
Each of those markets I'm sure have good areas to consider that will be somewhat easier to enter depending on the price range you plan on entering at!
- Property Manager · Eastern Region, US · Member since 2023 · 39 posts · 16 votes1y
Hey Brendan,
Welcome aboard and congrats on diving in!I’m based in Chattanooga and actively involved in the market here, so I wanted to offer a little local insight since you mentioned it as one of your target areas.
You’re right to notice that Chattanooga can offer a lower cost of entry compared to places like Nashville. It’s a midsized city with strong fundamental: steady job growth, a rising population (particularly remote workers and retirees), and a good balance of older housing stock and new development. We’ve also got a relatively landlord-friendly environment compared to some other parts of the country.
A few things to keep in mind as you dig in:
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Neighborhoods vary dramatically in price point and tenant profile. Areas like North Shore, St. Elmo, and Southside are appreciating fast but tend to be priced higher. If you're looking for BRRRR potential or cashflow, spots like East Lake, Brainerd, and parts of Red Bank or Hixson might be worth your time—but you'll need to be strategic about tenant screening and renovation costs.
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Section 8 and workforce housing can work here if managed properly, and there’s active demand in that space. Some investors I know have had success targeting mid-tier homes that avoid high turnover but still pencil out.
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Out-of-state investors are active here, so properties that pencil well tend to go fast. Having either strong local contacts or a reliable agent/property manager on the ground will make a huge difference.
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Cash is king: if you’re saving up for your first deal, it’s smart to run the numbers conservatively. Renovation costs have come down a bit recently but still vary by contractor availability.
If you ever want to compare notes or want intros to PMs, agents, or lenders familiar with this market, happy to point you in the right direction. Keep learning, and good luck with that first door!
Trey, Chattanooga Investor
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- Nashville, TN · Member since 2025 · 2 posts · 0 votes1y
Hey Brendan – welcome to the world of real estate investing! It’s always exciting to see someone getting started, and it sounds like you’re diving in with the right mindset by learning as much as you can early on.
I’m originally from Cincinnati but now work as an investment-focused real estate agent here in Nashville, so I’m pretty familiar with both of those markets (along with some of the others you mentioned like Chattanooga). You’re right that Nashville can have a higher cost of entry in certain areas, but there are still some solid opportunities depending on your strategy and goals.
Looking forward to seeing how your journey unfolds — being active here is definitely a strong first step!
Best,
Bailey - 1yDerek HarvillePro MemberMember since 2020 · 7 posts · 1 vote
Hey Brendan, I'm a novice real estate investor in the Chattanooga market. I only have 2 doors so I'm not some guru at this. However, I can drive by a location and give you input if you need it. I'm familiar with the area as I've lived here my whole life. If I can be of any help just reach out. Good luck with your future investing endeavors!
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