New member from Ontario, Canada

New Member Introductions
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New member from Ontario, Canada

JF Campeau
Member since 2025 · 10 posts · 9 votes

Hi everyone. New guy here and looking forward to learn. I'm from Canada and looking at buying my first rental, which will most likely be in Cleveland, within 6 months. Looking forward to chatting with you all. 

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Drago Stanimirovic
New to Real Estate · Miami, FL · Member since 2024 · 1k+ posts · 441 votes
11mo

Welcome to the forum, JF, and congrats on taking the first step toward investing in US real estate. Cleveland can be a solid market for rentals thanks to its relatively low acquisition costs and strong rental demand, especially in stable working-class neighborhoods.

Since you're coming from Canada, you'll want to get familiar with a few key items early on cross-border tax implications, financing options as a foreign national, and property management solutions since you'll be remote. The good news is many investors from Canada have successfully built portfolios in the Midwest, and Cleveland has the kind of cash-flowing potential that makes it worth the homework.

Happy to help if you ever need to run numbers or evaluate strategy.

Welcome aboard
Drago

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  • Moe Sidd
    Investor · Toledo-MetroDetroit-Dallas · Member since 2022 · 122 posts · 71 votes
    11mo

    @JF Campeau, Welcome to BP and good idea to look into investing in Ohio (and the states in general). I urge you to look into Toledo Ohio too it's very close to Ontario. Only about an hour away from Windsor! Much lower price points too than a larger Ohioan city. 

    1Reply
    • JF Campeau
      OP
      Member since 2025 · 10 posts · 9 votes
      11mo

      @Moe Sidd I looked up Toledo and there are favourable zip codes. I'm looking into those. Thank you Moe

      1Reply
  • Denise SuppleeBusiness Member
    Realtor · Willow Grove, PA · Member since 2017 · 969 posts · 638 votes
    11mo

    Welcome @JF Campeau! Buying your first rental is a big step, and Cleveland has been a solid market for a lot of investors. There’s a lot to learn, but you’re definitely in the right place. Tons of helpful people around here, and I’m sure you’ll pick up a lot along the way. Feel free to ask questions, we’ve all been there. Looking forward to seeing your journey unfold!

    Spark Rental Co-Investing Club577 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    0Reply
  • JF Campeau
    OP
    Member since 2025 · 10 posts · 9 votes
    11mo

    Thank you for your encouraging words Denise. I’m looking forward to the journey!

    0Reply
  • JF Campeau
    OP
    Member since 2025 · 10 posts · 9 votes
    11mo

    Thank you Moe for your advice. I will check the area out for sure. Much appreciated! I’m close to the Quebec border but closer to home is definitely a plus. Thanks again

    1Reply
  • James Wise
    Real Estate Broker · Cleveland Dayton Cincinnati Toledo Columbus & Akron, OH · Member since 2013 · 30k+ posts · 20k+ votes
    11mo
    Quote from @JF Campeau:

    Hi everyone. New guy here and looking forward to learn. I'm from Canada and looking at buying my first rental, which will most likely be in Cleveland, within 6 months. Looking forward to chatting with you all. 


     Welcome aboard.

    0Reply
  • Drago Stanimirovic
    New to Real Estate · Miami, FL · Member since 2024 · 1k+ posts · 441 votes
    11mo

    Welcome to the forum, JF, and congrats on taking the first step toward investing in US real estate. Cleveland can be a solid market for rentals thanks to its relatively low acquisition costs and strong rental demand, especially in stable working-class neighborhoods.

    Since you're coming from Canada, you'll want to get familiar with a few key items early on cross-border tax implications, financing options as a foreign national, and property management solutions since you'll be remote. The good news is many investors from Canada have successfully built portfolios in the Midwest, and Cleveland has the kind of cash-flowing potential that makes it worth the homework.

    Happy to help if you ever need to run numbers or evaluate strategy.

    Welcome aboard
    Drago

    1Reply
  • Jimmy LieuBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus, OH · Member since 2019 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    11mo
    Quote from @JF Campeau:

    Hi everyone. New guy here and looking forward to learn. I'm from Canada and looking at buying my first rental, which will most likely be in Cleveland, within 6 months. Looking forward to chatting with you all. 

    Hey JF, welcome to BP and congrats on taking the first steps toward buying your first rental—that’s a huge move. Cleveland can definitely be a solid market for cash flow, and it’s great that you already have a timeline in mind. Since you’re investing from out of the country, having a good team on the ground is going to make a big difference in how smooth things go. I’d also encourage you to take a look at Columbus, Ohio as another strong option since it’s been one of the hottest markets in the Midwest with a lot of population and job growth, big companies moving in like Intel, Amazon, Google, Facebook, Honda, and Microsoft, and it’s still possible to find properties in the $120–180K range that hit the 1% rule and cash flow from day one. It’s a very landlord-friendly market with solid long-term potential. Happy to connect and answer any questions you have!

    [email protected]614-300-7535
    Jimmy Lieu, Red 1 Realty4.9120 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    1Reply
    • JF Campeau
      OP
      Member since 2025 · 10 posts · 9 votes
      11mo

      @Jimmy Lieu this is exactly the kind of info I'm looking for. Thank you Jimmy. I will be in touch with questions!

      0Reply
  • Kate Nixon Taylor
    Lender · Cary, NC · Member since 2021 · 122 posts · 29 votes
    11mo

    Welcome to Biggerpockets! This community is such a great place to learn and get support from other investors and professionals.

    When you are running scenarios, I would be happy to help with quick quotes. I can shop lenders for you and let you know what to expect. 

    Cheers! Kate

    0Reply
  • Drew SygitBusiness Member
    Property Manager · Royal Oak, MI · Member since 2012 · 12k+ posts · 9k+ votes
    11mo

    @JF Campeau aren't you closer to Detroit?

    The only US mainland city NORTH of Canada:)

    [email protected]248-209-6824
    Logical Property Management4.9451 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    0Reply
    • Chad U.
      Investor · Boca Raton, FL · Member since 2012 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
      11mo
      Quote from @Drew Sygit:

      @JF Campeau aren't you closer to Detroit?

      The only US mainland city NORTH of Canada:)


       ?

      0Reply
    • JF Campeau
      OP
      Member since 2025 · 10 posts · 9 votes
      11mo
      Quote from @Chad U.:
      Quote from @Drew Sygit:

      @JF Campeau aren't you closer to Detroit?

      The only US mainland city NORTH of Canada:)


       ?

      8 hour drive away from Detroit. I’m close to the Qc border


      0Reply
  • JF Campeau
    OP
    Member since 2025 · 10 posts · 9 votes
    11mo

    Hi Drew. I’m actually an 8hr drive away. I’m in the Ottawa region 

    0Reply
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