Illinois BRRRR Investor Looking to Expand to Ohio — Need Advice

[Saquib Farooqui]

Hey everyone,

I’m  a realtor and investor based in Illinois. My brother and I use the BRRRR model in Chicago, mainly focusing on distressed properties and Section 8 rentals. Would like to BRRRR in Ohio as well. 

We’re now looking to expand into Ohio (Cleveland and Columbus), but I’m noticing that market rents seem low, which makes it harder to cover the mortgage unless the deal is bought really well or all cash. Section 8 looks promising in some areas, but I’m trying to understand how people are consistently making deals work.

Would love insight on:

• Are you relying on Section 8 to make deals work?
• Is Columbus a good market for this strategy?
• Any specific areas or pockets you recommend?

Also open to connecting or partnering with anyone active in these markets. Will need a good realtor and property management company. 

Appreciate the help!

[Arman Ahmed]

Quote from @Saquib Farooqui:

Hey everyone,

I'm a realtor and investor based in Illinois. My brother and I use the BRRRR model in Chicago, mainly focusing on distressed properties and Section 8 rentals. Would like to BRRRR in Ohio as well.

We’re now looking to expand into Ohio (Cleveland and Columbus), but I’m noticing that market rents seem low, which makes it harder to cover the mortgage unless the deal is bought really well or all cash. Section 8 looks promising in some areas, but I’m trying to understand how people are consistently making deals work.

Would love insight on:

• Are you relying on Section 8 to make deals work?
• Is Columbus a good market for this strategy?
• Any specific areas or pockets you recommend?

Also open to connecting or partnering with anyone active in these markets. Will need a good realtor and property management company. 

Appreciate the help!

You’re on the right track. BRRRR in Ohio definitely works, but the deals have to be bought right, and most investors lean on a mix of market rents and Section 8 to make the numbers work. Columbus has pockets that perform really well for BRRRR, and Cleveland still offers some of the best spreads if you’re buying distressed. The key is targeting the right neighborhoods and having strong property management because that’s what makes or breaks cash flow, especially with Section 8. Plenty of investors are still scaling there, but success really comes down to deal selection and a reliable local team.