Looking to deploy capital

Looking to deploy capital

Member since 2025 · 1 post · 11 votes
I’m in the process of coming into capital and looking to get into multifamily or income-producing real estate. I’m focused on long-term investing and building cash flow. If anyone is actively working deals, open to partnerships, or has advice on good markets to target, I’d love to connect.
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Crystal SmithPro Member
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Real Estate Broker · Chicago, IL · Member since 2014 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
5mo
Quote from @Marcus Mckinney:
I’m in the process of coming into capital and looking to get into multifamily or income-producing real estate. I’m focused on long-term investing and building cash flow. If anyone is actively working deals, open to partnerships, or has advice on good markets to target, I’d love to connect.

 Good markets to target in my opinion:  Cleveland Ohio (Good cashflow play but make sure you have excellent boots on the ground support); Indianapolis; DFW; Charlotte NC, Chicago

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  • Investor · Austin, TX · Member since 2021 · 497 posts · 127 votes
    5mo

    Sounds like you’re in a great position coming in with capital and focusing on long-term cash flow that’s exactly where the right financing can help you scale faster instead of tying everything up in one deal.

    I work with investors getting into multifamily and income-producing properties, helping them structure DSCR and portfolio financing so they can acquire more and keep liquidity for future deals.

    If you’re open to it, I’d be happy to walk through what that could look like based on your goals and help you map out your first few acquisitions.

    Want me to send over a quick form so I can understand what you’re targeting and line up the right options for you?

  • Real Estate Broker · New York, NY · Member since 2020 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    5mo

    I’d honestly suggest just getting out to a few local real estate meetups around Chicago. It’s one of the easiest ways to get a real feel for what’s actually happening on the ground, what deals are trading for, what rents are doing, and who’s really active right now.

    It’s also a great way to meet potential partners and lenders face to face. You can usually tell pretty quickly who’s actually doing deals and who’s just talking about them once you’re in the same room.

  • Stephen QuesinberryBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Cumming, GA · Member since 2016 · 226 posts · 157 votes
    5mo

    Good spot to be in.

    From my experience and if I was in your shoes...before jumping into partnerships, I’d probably focus on getting really clear on your strategy and buy box. What size deals, what price range, what markets, and what kind of returns you’re targeting. The clearer that is, the easier it is to evaluate opportunities and have productive conversations.

    I’d also spend time looking at a lot of deals. Underwrite consistently, even if you’re not ready to move yet. That’s what builds your confidence and helps you understand what’s actually a good deal versus what just looks good on paper.

    On markets, there isn’t one perfect answer. I’d look for areas with solid rent demand, population stability or growth, and landlord-friendly dynamics. More importantly, make sure you can build a strong team there. That matters more than the city itself.

    On partnerships, most experienced operators are looking for either capital, execution, or both. If you’re bringing capital, focus on understanding how to vet deals and operators. Track record, conservative underwriting, and a clear business plan go a long way.

    If you stay consistent with deal flow and get clear on what you’re looking for, the right opportunities and partnerships tend to show up.

    Cornerstone Real Estate Partners
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  • Real Estate Agent · Chicago, IL · Member since 2018 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    5mo

    @Marcus Mckinney

    Depends on what your budget looks like but Chicago has a lot of 2-4 unit and 5+ unit options.

    Echoing @Stephen Quesinberry's advice here.

  • Crystal SmithPro Member
    Moderator
    Real Estate Broker · Chicago, IL · Member since 2014 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    5mo
    Quote from @Marcus Mckinney:
    I’m in the process of coming into capital and looking to get into multifamily or income-producing real estate. I’m focused on long-term investing and building cash flow. If anyone is actively working deals, open to partnerships, or has advice on good markets to target, I’d love to connect.

     Good markets to target in my opinion:  Cleveland Ohio (Good cashflow play but make sure you have excellent boots on the ground support); Indianapolis; DFW; Charlotte NC, Chicago

    • Member since 2019 · 8 posts · 6 votes
      2mo
      Quote from @Crystal Smith:
      Quote from @Marcus Mckinney:
      I’m in the process of coming into capital and looking to get into multifamily or income-producing real estate. I’m focused on long-term investing and building cash flow. If anyone is actively working deals, open to partnerships, or has advice on good markets to target, I’d love to connect.

       Good markets to target in my opinion:  Cleveland Ohio (Good cashflow play but make sure you have excellent boots on the ground support); Indianapolis; DFW; Charlotte NC, Chicago


       Can you tell me more about the Charlotte market?

    • Crystal SmithPro Member
      Moderator
      Real Estate Broker · Chicago, IL · Member since 2014 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
      2mo
      Quote from @Nikesh Patel:
      Quote from @Crystal Smith:
      Quote from @Marcus Mckinney:
      I’m in the process of coming into capital and looking to get into multifamily or income-producing real estate. I’m focused on long-term investing and building cash flow. If anyone is actively working deals, open to partnerships, or has advice on good markets to target, I’d love to connect.

       Good markets to target in my opinion:  Cleveland Ohio (Good cashflow play but make sure you have excellent boots on the ground support); Indianapolis; DFW; Charlotte NC, Chicago


       Can you tell me more about the Charlotte market?


       Charlotte has a nice populatoin growth and a growing tech center which means housing is required.

  • Aaron ZimmermanBusiness Member
    Accountant · Chicago, IL · Member since 2018 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    5mo

    Marcus - welcome! What would you say your strengths are that you bring to the table for a partnership?

    I'd encourage you to go to local meetups to meet investors and also listen to the straight up Chicago investor podcast. 

  • Kerlous TadresBusiness Member
    Realtor · Columbus, OH · Member since 2023 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    5mo

    @Marcus Mckinney, Columbus, Ohio, is one of the best-kept secrets for long-term multifamily investing, strong rental demand, affordable entry points, and cash flow that actually hits your account every month. I'd recommend starting with a small multifamily like a duplex or fourplex to build your foundation while keeping risk low. Drop me a message, I'm actively working deals here and always open to connecting with serious investors.

    Kerlous Tadres | Reafco Real Estate541 Reviews
  • Arman AhmedPro Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus Cleveland Dayton, OH · Member since 2024 · 2k+ posts · 960 votes
    5mo
    Quote from @Marcus Mckinney:
    I’m in the process of coming into capital and looking to get into multifamily or income-producing real estate. I’m focused on long-term investing and building cash flow. If anyone is actively working deals, open to partnerships, or has advice on good markets to target, I’d love to connect.

    Sounds like you’re in a great position. Having capital ready is half the battle, now it’s really about placing it in the right deals with the right people. Most investors focused on long-term cash flow are prioritizing markets where the numbers make sense on day one, not just appreciation plays, which is why a lot of capital has been flowing into more affordable Midwest markets lately. If you’re open to out-of-state, that’s often where you’ll find stronger rent-to-price ratios and more scalable opportunities, especially in small multifamily. The biggest thing is don’t rush it, find operators with a track record, understand how they underwrite, and make sure the deal works conservatively before jumping in.
  • Samuel DioufBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus & Cleveland, OH · Member since 2023 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    5mo

    Hey Marcus, I have a handful of clients based out of Chicago that are having success investing in Cleveland and Columbus. 

    Cleveland is great for the quick short term returns, and Columbus is one of the fastest growing cities in the US right now so you'll see a lot of appreciation here. 

  • Alfath AhmedBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus, OH · Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    5mo
    Quote from @Marcus Mckinney:
    I’m in the process of coming into capital and looking to get into multifamily or income-producing real estate. I’m focused on long-term investing and building cash flow. If anyone is actively working deals, open to partnerships, or has advice on good markets to target, I’d love to connect.

    Happy to connect. I've got 28 rental units that I acquired using the BRRRR method and house-hacking in Columbus.

    Very popular market for OOS investors since the major tech companies have bought up so much land and so many new jobs are underway. 

  • Jonathan KlemmBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Contractor · Chicago, IL · Member since 2016 · 4k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    5mo

    Hey @Marcus Mckinney - Lucky you!  I am hoping to run into some capital sometime soon too! haha

    Your in Chicago so that would be my vote!  If you are looking to get into the 5+ multifamily, I suggest the West suburbs like Beryn, Cicero, Oak Park, River Forest, etc.  You can get solid cashflow and some appreciation.  If you are looking for heavy appreciation, go to the North or Northwest side of Chicago along the Blue Line.

    How much capital are you running into?

  • Jimmy LieuBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus, OH · Member since 2019 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    5mo
    Quote from @Marcus Mckinney:
    I’m in the process of coming into capital and looking to get into multifamily or income-producing real estate. I’m focused on long-term investing and building cash flow. If anyone is actively working deals, open to partnerships, or has advice on good markets to target, I’d love to connect.

    Hey Marcus, sounds like you’re thinking about it the right way focusing on long term cash flow and being open to different deal structures. If you’re coming into capital and want to get into multifamily or income producing property, I’d start by getting really clear on your buy box first before worrying about partnerships or markets. Define your target returns, price range, asset type, and how active you want to be, because that will narrow things down fast. For newer investors, smaller multifamily like duplex to fourplex or even a couple of single family rentals can be a solid way to build experience without taking on too much risk at once. Partnerships can work well too, but make sure roles, expectations, and exit strategies are very clear upfront so things don’t get messy later. In terms of markets, look for places with steady population growth, diverse job bases, and rent demand that supports cash flow, not just appreciation hype. A lot of people overlook the importance of local teams as well, especially if you go out of state, so lining up a solid property manager and contractor early makes a big difference. If you stay patient, stick to your numbers, and don’t force a deal, you’ll be in a good spot to build something that actually lasts.



  • Real Estate Broker · Cleveland Dayton Cincinnati Toledo Columbus & Akron, OH · Member since 2013 · 31k+ posts · 20k+ votes
    5mo
    Quote from @Marcus Mckinney:
    I’m in the process of coming into capital and looking to get into multifamily or income-producing real estate. I’m focused on long-term investing and building cash flow. If anyone is actively working deals, open to partnerships, or has advice on good markets to target, I’d love to connect.

     Saw Cleveland mentioned a lot. Cleveland is sweet, but dangerous. Give The Ultimate Guide to Grading Cleveland Neighborhoods a read before spending a ton of money there.

  • Vijay FriedmanBusiness Member
    Miami, FL · Member since 2026 · 766 posts · 123 votes
    2mo
    Quote from @Marcus Mckinney:
    I’m in the process of coming into capital and looking to get into multifamily or income-producing real estate. I’m focused on long-term investing and building cash flow. If anyone is actively working deals, open to partnerships, or has advice on good markets to target, I’d love to connect.

    @Marcus Mckinney
    Welcome, Marcus. It sounds like you're approaching this with a long-term mindset, which is a great foundation. As you evaluate opportunities, I'd focus on markets with strong rental demand, sustainable cash flow, and realistic operating expenses rather than chasing the highest projected returns. Building relationships with experienced local operators can also help uncover opportunities before they hit the open market. Best of luck deploying your capital!

    DreamPoint Capital
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