Rental Property - Cleveland

Rental Property - Cleveland

Investor 路 Member since 2023 路 135 posts 路 47 votes

Hi guys

My profession is a contractor and project manager but i live in California.

Im new to the BRRRR and i would like to start investing my first property in Cleveland, Ohio.

I kind of still wonder if its good to start investing over there, i did a lot of research and all the cities i want are for the next level but I need to start small. (i really like to invest in Raleigh , Austin, Durham, Charleston, Tampa.. but i feel that i need more money for that and i'm not ready to get into this market, a lot of competition. 

 I have 120K on side for investments, and I'm planning to take loan , no cash, that i can focus on fews things and not only 1 property.

The reason I want to invest there is because the properties there are cheap then all other places. i thought also on San Antonio, Corpus christi in Texas but prices there going 150-200K already...

What do you think on Cleveland for start? any other recommendation or its good market to focus? Ill be happy to hear what do you think for about what i said.

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Real Estate Agent 路 Columbus, OH 路 Member since 2018 路 1k+ posts 路 1k+ votes
3y
Quote from @Alon A.:

Hi guys

My profession is a contractor and project manager but i live in California.

Im new to the BRRRR and i would like to start investing my first property in Cleveland, Ohio.

I kind of still wonder if its good to start investing over there, i did a lot of research and all the cities i want are for the next level but I need to start small. (i really like to invest in Raleigh , Austin, Durham, Charleston, Tampa.. but i feel that i need more money for that and i'm not ready to get into this market, a lot of competition. 

 I have 120K on side for investments, and I'm planning to take loan , no cash, that i can focus on fews things and not only 1 property.

The reason I want to invest there is because the properties there are cheap then all other places. i thought also on San Antonio, Corpus christi in Texas but prices there going 150-200K already...

What do you think on Cleveland for start? any other recommendation or its good market to focus? Ill be happy to hear what do you think for about what i said.


 Hi Alon, it sounds like Cleveland is a good market for what you're looking for. The city has good cash flow and a lower entry point. If you'd like, I can get you in touch with some contacts in the area (contractors, lenders, PMs, etc). 

See this reply in the discussion

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  • Jewel B.Pro Member
    New to Real Estate 路 Lehigh Valley, PA 路 Member since 2021 路 352 posts 路 120 votes
    3y

    I hear lots of great things about investing in Ohio, Cleveland being a big one of course.

    Check this out: https://www.biggerpockets.com/...

    Summoning James Wise.

  • Investor 路 Member since 2023 路 135 posts 路 47 votes
    3y
    Thank you so much , it is from 6 years ago , any updated post 2022/23 maybe ? 

    Quote from @Jewel B.:

    I hear lots of great things about investing in Ohio, Cleveland being a big one of course.

    Check this out: https://www.biggerpockets.com/...

    Summoning James Wise.


  • Brittany MinocchiBusiness Member
    Lender 路 Massillon, OH 路 Member since 2022 路 1k+ posts 路 486 votes
    3y

    If you haven鈥檛 already, make sure to familiarize yourself with the POS inspection process and factor that into your numbers (for any properties it may be applicable to). 

    Brittany Minocchi - Barrett Financial Group, LLC522 Reviews
    View Page
  • Member since 2018 路 76 posts 路 23 votes
    3y

    Hey Alon. Yes, Cleveland is a great start as properties are still affordable, but there seems to be more restrictions than other states. Do some more research before pulling the trigger, study the city map and neighborhood. But if you have an agent, he or she will give you more information on this. I bought my 4 unit on the 44111 almost 2 years now, never got 100% filled until recently. Have a lot to do with property management besides the neighborhood. BP is a great place to learn. Good Luck. 

  • Austin McClainBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent 路 OH 路 Member since 2021 路 347 posts 路 602 votes
    3y

    I like Cleveland. The homes are affordable and cash flow very well. It's a good place to get started. 

  • Real Estate Consultant 路 Cleveland 路 Member since 2020 路 6k+ posts 路 3k+ votes
    3y
    Quote from @Alon A.:

    Hi guys

    My profession is a contractor and project manager but i live in California.

    Im new to the BRRRR and i would like to start investing my first property in Cleveland, Ohio.

    I kind of still wonder if its good to start investing over there, i did a lot of research and all the cities i want are for the next level but I need to start small. (i really like to invest in Raleigh , Austin, Durham, Charleston, Tampa.. but i feel that i need more money for that and i'm not ready to get into this market, a lot of competition. 

     I have 120K on side for investments, and I'm planning to take loan , no cash, that i can focus on fews things and not only 1 property.

    The reason I want to invest there is because the properties there are cheap then all other places. i thought also on San Antonio, Corpus christi in Texas but prices there going 150-200K already...

    What do you think on Cleveland for start? any other recommendation or its good market to focus? Ill be happy to hear what do you think for about what i said.

     Cleveland has been the number 1 overall rental market for about 10 years, still in the top 5 . Forbes had it number 1 2017- 18 but hey too were not paying attention. Prior to 2017 you were be able to get 25- 30% net caps (based on cash purchase) with all in pricing of about 40k. Now 8-14% net at about all in 100k- 120k ish,. prices have doubles tripled or more and seem to be still going strong.  MF were 5k per unit, now 45- 65k and there is simply no inventory. Biggest mistake I made was not keeping about 50 of the 500 or so I flipped, HUGE mistake. However you need to be cash if you want a great deal, then you can refi cash out. DO NOT try and go it alone there, it will not end wll. You must have a team in place to handle it all

    Good luck 

  • Jewel B.Pro Member
    New to Real Estate 路 Lehigh Valley, PA 路 Member since 2021 路 352 posts 路 120 votes
    3y
    Quote from @Alon A.:
    Thank you so much , it is from 6 years ago , any updated post 2022/23 maybe ? 

    Quote from @Jewel B.:

    I hear lots of great things about investing in Ohio, Cleveland being a big one of course.

    Check this out: https://www.biggerpockets.com/...

    Summoning James Wise.


    It's a living document. The author is very active here in the forums and updates it as needed.
  • Real Estate Agent 路 Columbus, OH 路 Member since 2018 路 1k+ posts 路 1k+ votes
    3y
    Quote from @Alon A.:

    Hi guys

    My profession is a contractor and project manager but i live in California.

    Im new to the BRRRR and i would like to start investing my first property in Cleveland, Ohio.

    I kind of still wonder if its good to start investing over there, i did a lot of research and all the cities i want are for the next level but I need to start small. (i really like to invest in Raleigh , Austin, Durham, Charleston, Tampa.. but i feel that i need more money for that and i'm not ready to get into this market, a lot of competition. 

     I have 120K on side for investments, and I'm planning to take loan , no cash, that i can focus on fews things and not only 1 property.

    The reason I want to invest there is because the properties there are cheap then all other places. i thought also on San Antonio, Corpus christi in Texas but prices there going 150-200K already...

    What do you think on Cleveland for start? any other recommendation or its good market to focus? Ill be happy to hear what do you think for about what i said.


     Hi Alon, it sounds like Cleveland is a good market for what you're looking for. The city has good cash flow and a lower entry point. If you'd like, I can get you in touch with some contacts in the area (contractors, lenders, PMs, etc). 

  • Investor 路 Member since 2023 路 135 posts 路 47 votes
    3y
    Thank you so much , what is the reason you can鈥檛 get it rented ? Can you share about the experience and regulations? 
    thank you again 

    m Quote from @Riggies B tang:

    Hey Alon. Yes, Cleveland is a great start as properties are still affordable, but there seems to be more restrictions than other states. Do some more research before pulling the trigger, study the city map and neighborhood. But if you have an agent, he or she will give you more information on this. I bought my 4 unit on the 44111 almost 2 years now, never got 100% filled until recently. Have a lot to do with property management besides the neighborhood. BP is a great place to learn. Good Luck. 


  • Member since 2018 路 76 posts 路 23 votes
    3y

    There are many reason why units are NOT rented, some are location and some are poor management which is a very important role in your out of state investment journey. In my case, I am not certain what was the main reason but make sure the property management fully vetted with good reviews. 

    As for the city regulations: There are many fees that property owner need to pay and depending on where you are buying, there's POS is involved if the seller choose to transfer that to the new owner. Sometimes cost can be very hefty. Your agent probably can give you more information on this part.

    The cost of properties in Cleveland is affordable compare to other states which is great for most newbie investors to get their feet wet. However, not much of an appreciation unless you buy and hold for generation wealth.

  • Member since 2020 路 1 post 路 0 votes
    3y
    Quote from @Alon A.:
    Thank you so much , it is from 6 years ago , any updated post 2022/23 maybe ? 

    Quote from @Jewel B.:

    I hear lots of great things about investing in Ohio, Cleveland being a big one of course.

    Check this out: https://www.biggerpockets.com/...

    Summoning James Wise.



     Hey there, I'm pretty sure James keeps it up to date, but even if he does not the grades look like they've remained pretty accurate. I'm sure areas change, but how often would an "A" become a "D"? I've lived in Cleveland since 2008 which includes living or working in West Park, Lakewood, Parma, Middleburg Hts, Strongsville, Mentor, Eastlake, Painesville, Warrensville Hts., Bedford Hts, and Solon. Holy crap, I nearly forgot a couple of those...! As you look, I'm sure you can give a shout out if you want more info on a specific area. Good luck!

  • Drew SygitBusiness Member
    Property Manager 路 Royal Oak, MI 路 Member since 2012 路 12k+ posts 路 9k+ votes
    3y

    @Alon A.

    We think the Midwest is a GREAT place for OOS investors to consider!

    YES, we may be a little biased, but check out our blog here on BP comparing Detroit to other cities and Deep Dives on Metro Detroit cities & neighborhoods:

    https://www.biggerpockets.com/...

    (BP search feature can be problematic, so we鈥檝e also added links @ our website under View Cities & Neighborhoods We Service)

    Your biggest question shouldn't be WHERE to invest, but HOW you will invest!

    Many OOS investors set themselves up for failure because they don't truly take the time to understand:

    1) The Class of the NEIGHBORHOOD they are buying in - which is relative to the overall area.

    2) The Class of the PROPERTY they are buying - which is relative to the overall area.

    3) The Class of the TENANT POOL the Neighborhood & Property will attract - which is relative to the overall area.

    4) The Class of the CONTRACTORS that will work on their Property, given the Neighborhood location - which is relative to the overall area.

    5) The Class of the PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANIES (PMC) that will manage their Property, given the Neighborhood location and the Tenants it will attract - which is relative to the overall area.

    6) That a Class X NEIGHBORHOOD will have mostly Class X PROPERTIES, which will only attract Class X TENANTS, CONTRACTORS AND PMCs and deliver Class X RESULTS.

    7) That OOS property Class rankings are often different than the Class ranking of the local market they live.

    8) Class A is relatively easy to manage, can even be DIY remote managed from another state. Can usually allot 5-10% vacancy factor and same for maintenance.

    9) Class B usually also okay, but needs more attention from owner and/or PMC. Vacancy and maintenance factors should be higher than for Class A as homes will be older, have more deferred maintenance and tenants will be harder on them.

    10) Class C can be relatively successful with a great PMC (do NOT hire the cheapest!), but very difficult to DIY remote manage. Vacancy and maintenance factors should be higher than for Class A or B. Homes will have even more deferred maintenance and tenants will be even harder on them.

    11) Class D pretty much requires an OWNER to be on location and at the property 3-4 times/week. Most quality PMCs will not manage these properties as they understand most owners won鈥檛 pay them enough for the time required and even then it鈥檚 too difficult successfully manage them.
    ***Only exception is if an owner has plan & funds to reposition Class D to Class C or higher.

    https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/776/topics/960183-what-they-dont-tell-you-about-cheap-rental-properties?highlight_post=5562799&page=3#p5562799

    Also, SERIOUSLY consider - do you really have the time to be a DIY landlord or should you hire a PMC?

    Good luck with whatever you decide馃槉

    Please send us any feedback via email, as we do not use the DM feature here.

  • Nicholas L.Pro Member
    Flipper/Rehabber 路 Pittsburgh 路 Member since 2018 路 6k+ posts 路 5k+ votes
    3y

    @Alon A.

    Are you going to travel there in person?  Of course what you're asking to do is possible - I just think it will probably be difficult to do fully remotely with no contacts or network, and as your very first deal.  Listen to Spencer Cornelia's BP podcast - he tried to do a flip in Cincinnati from Las Vegas and learned some lessons along the way.

    You can only BRRRR if you find a property that you can buy way below market and add significant value to boost the ARV. If you can't do this, you can't BRRRR.

  • Investor 路 Arroyo Grande, CA 路 Member since 2014 路 1k+ posts 路 1k+ votes
    3y

    Alon, I help a friend with a turnkey company. We've mostly focused on Detroit (I personally own 12-doors there) but they do a fair bit in Cleveland, up state New York, and Florida now.

    Generally, if people are trying to maximize cash flow we suggest Detroit. If they are looking for cash flow but more stability we suggest Cleveland and areas of Florida.

    Many folks are scared off from Detroit because it has a bad reputation but it's a fantastic market if you have folks you can work with that understand the market. Happy to talk over options if you'd like.

  • Member since 2023 路 6 posts 路 3 votes
    3y

    Wow small world I in jersey and like youself my wife and I are looking in the same market to do the with BRRRR methos as well we are new to this as well dont have much as you saved up but we are at 40K ourselves to start the process as well we are both Blue collar workers looking to have out money make money

  • Investor 路 Member since 2023 路 135 posts 路 47 votes
    3y
    Quote from @Nicholas L.:

    @Alon A.

    Are you going to travel there in person?  Of course what you're asking to do is possible - I just think it will probably be difficult to do fully remotely with no contacts or network, and as your very first deal.  Listen to Spencer Cornelia's BP podcast - he tried to do a flip in Cincinnati from Las Vegas and learned some lessons along the way.

    You can only BRRRR if you find a property that you can buy way below market and add significant value to boost the ARV. If you can't do this, you can't BRRRR.


     im not going in person but i know how to manage it remotely, im a contractor and know the language of build, i build new houses from scratch

  • Investor 路 Member since 2023 路 135 posts 路 47 votes
    3y
    Quote from @Travis Biziorek:

    Alon, I help a friend with a turnkey company. We've mostly focused on Detroit (I personally own 12-doors there) but they do a fair bit in Cleveland, up state New York, and Florida now.

    Generally, if people are trying to maximize cash flow we suggest Detroit. If they are looking for cash flow but more stability we suggest Cleveland and areas of Florida.

    Many folks are scared off from Detroit because it has a bad reputation but it's a fantastic market if you have folks you can work with that understand the market. Happy to talk over options if you'd like.


     Sorry about Detroit i don't feel comfortable with this city, i prefer Cleveland but thank you for the suggestion !!

  • Investor 路 Member since 2023 路 135 posts 路 47 votes
    3y
    Quote from @Riggies B tang:

    There are many reason why units are NOT rented, some are location and some are poor management which is a very important role in your out of state investment journey. In my case, I am not certain what was the main reason but make sure the property management fully vetted with good reviews. 

    As for the city regulations: There are many fees that property owner need to pay and depending on where you are buying, there's POS is involved if the seller choose to transfer that to the new owner. Sometimes cost can be very hefty. Your agent probably can give you more information on this part.

    The cost of properties in Cleveland is affordable compare to other states which is great for most newbie investors to get their feet wet. However, not much of an appreciation unless you buy and hold for generation wealth.


     What cities the apprecetion in high and also good for cashflow ?

  • Rental Property Investor 路 Brooke Park Drive 路 Member since 2018 路 1k+ posts 路 2k+ votes
    3y
    Quote from @Alon A.:
    Quote from @Riggies B tang:

    There are many reason why units are NOT rented, some are location and some are poor management which is a very important role in your out of state investment journey. In my case, I am not certain what was the main reason but make sure the property management fully vetted with good reviews. 

    As for the city regulations: There are many fees that property owner need to pay and depending on where you are buying, there's POS is involved if the seller choose to transfer that to the new owner. Sometimes cost can be very hefty. Your agent probably can give you more information on this part.

    The cost of properties in Cleveland is affordable compare to other states which is great for most newbie investors to get their feet wet. However, not much of an appreciation unless you buy and hold for generation wealth.


     What cities the apprecetion in high and also good for cashflow ?


     Obviously columbus Ohio

  • Dave PoeppelmeierBusiness Member
    Realtor 路 Maumee, OH 路 Member since 2015 路 491 posts 路 722 votes
    3y
    Quote from @Account Closed:
    Quote from @Alon A.:
    Quote from @Riggies B tang:

    There are many reason why units are NOT rented, some are location and some are poor management which is a very important role in your out of state investment journey. In my case, I am not certain what was the main reason but make sure the property management fully vetted with good reviews. 

    As for the city regulations: There are many fees that property owner need to pay and depending on where you are buying, there's POS is involved if the seller choose to transfer that to the new owner. Sometimes cost can be very hefty. Your agent probably can give you more information on this part.

    The cost of properties in Cleveland is affordable compare to other states which is great for most newbie investors to get their feet wet. However, not much of an appreciation unless you buy and hold for generation wealth.


     What cities the apprecetion in high and also good for cashflow ?


     Obviously columbus Ohio


     Speaking of summoning...

    Keller Williams Citywide | Dave Poeppelmeier534 Reviews
  • Jay ThomasPro Member
    Real Estate Agent 路 Houston, TX 路 Member since 2021 路 1k+ posts 路 715 votes
    3y

    It's essential to consider the POS inspection process when evaluating any potential Real Estate investments. Knowing the costs associated with such an inspection ahead of time can help you make a more informed decision and set realistic expectations for your investment. It's important to factor in all related costs into your calculations, as they could potentially impact profitability down the line. Don't forget to look into local regulations that may apply as well - it's always better to be safe than sorry! By doing your research and understanding the process, you can ensure that your Real Estate investments are successful.

  • Eric GoldmanBusiness Member
    Lender 路 PA 路 Member since 2019 路 359 posts 路 192 votes
    3y

    OH is great!  I am hearing that units are slow to rent these days... as stated above make sure you have a solid PM! 

    G2loans- Investor and Commercial Mortgages531 Reviews
  • Sacramento 路 Member since 2019 路 54 posts 路 24 votes
    3y

    I think I'll be going into escrow on a sf in Cleveland later today. I will be paying cash for this. I am interested in finding a partner or two to go in on a second or third property in Ohio. I have a few properties in mind and would like to share notes

  • Full-Time Investor & Agent 路 Amherst, OH 路 Member since 2014 路 149 posts 路 50 votes
    3y

    @Alon A. I think Cleveland is a great place to get started building a long term rental portfolio. The returns aren't as high as they were a few years ago, but you can still get good cashflow. As @Bob S. mentioned there is currently very limited inventory for Multi Family properties. I'm personally a West Side guy, I prefer suburbs there. A couple advantages to the West side of Cleveland are lower property taxes and only a few cities require Point of Sale inspections. 

    Let me know if you need any help getting started.

    Happy Investing!

  • Investor 路 Member since 2023 路 135 posts 路 47 votes
    3y
    Quote from @Jay Thomas:

    It's essential to consider the POS inspection process when evaluating any potential Real Estate investments. Knowing the costs associated with such an inspection ahead of time can help you make a more informed decision and set realistic expectations for your investment. It's important to factor in all related costs into your calculations, as they could potentially impact profitability down the line. Don't forget to look into local regulations that may apply as well - it's always better to be safe than sorry! By doing your research and understanding the process, you can ensure that your Real Estate investments are successful.


     I can鈥檛 agree more with you ! 

    how do I check about what inspections I need for the property ? And POS is only in Ohio ? I鈥檒l appreciate explaining on that a bit , I looked online but I鈥檓 confused how this things calculated 

    I know that before you buy property and after you offer accepted you have inspection period that you can bring inspector that will check plumbing , electrical and condition of all house and give you report , on top of it also engineer that will check foundation. 

    That鈥檚 the POS or is different? 

    Thank you 

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