New out-of-state investor looking to invest in Columbus, OH

[Nhi Ly]

Hello BiggerPockets Community! My name is Nhi, and I'm based in San Jose, CA. I'm excited to be here and connect with like-minded individuals who are on the same real estate journey!

I’m currently in the process of looking to purchase my first rental property, and after some research, I’ve set my sights on Columbus, Ohio. I’m particularly interested in student rentals and plan to rent by the room, as I think there’s a solid demand for that type of housing.

I’m hoping to close on a property within the next 6 months, so I’m actively gathering information, building a strategy, and looking for guidance. One thing I’ve been wondering about is whether it’s realistic to self-manage my property remotely, especially since I’m located in California. I’m also wondering if it’s possible to find someone local who can be available for emergency situations if needed—any tips or experiences with managing remotely would be greatly appreciated!

I’ve been following this forum for a while and love the wealth of knowledge and support here. I’m looking forward to learning more from all of you and hopefully sharing my experiences as I move forward with my first rental property!

Thanks in advance, and I look forward to connecting with you all! 😊

[Min Zhang]

Hey Nhi! Welcome to the BP community! love the energy and the research you’ve already put in. Student rentals can work really well here, especially near major campuses where housing demand stays consistent year round. Renting by the room can definitely boost returns if it’s managed right.

Managing remotely is doable as long as you have a solid local team mainly a reliable property manager or handyman who can respond quickly when issues pop up. I know a few investors who self manage from out of state by using local contractors for maintenance and hiring a runner or part time assistant to handle things like lockouts or inspections.

What made you lean toward student rentals versus traditional single family tenants? Happy to keep the conversation going!