New to Real Estate · Member since 2023 · 4 posts · 10 votes
Hi everyone! My partner and I are looking into our first real estate venture and have settled on Ohio as a potential market. We are looking for agents and potential property managers with experience as we are out of state. We are currently looking at 5+ unit multi family preferably turnkey. Also looking for info on where we should be looking at properties. Have seen quite a few properties for sale in Cleveland that look promising but we know there are probably certain areas to avoid.
Smart to focus on 5+ in Ohio as out‑of‑staters. Start by tightening your buy box (unit count, target rent per unit, max rehab tolerance), then use income-based underwriting first for small multis: verify realistic rents with two PMs, plug full expenses, and only chase deals that pencil on conservative assumptions. In Cleveland, selection is block-by-block, so lean on an investor‑savvy agent and PM to avoid D pockets; in Columbus, watch older systems and parking. Interview 15–20 agents/PMs, shortlist three, and have them walk one live listing each to earn the spot. Ask for T12, rent roll, utility breakdown, and proof of licenses before you call anything "turnkey," and pass if those aren't clean.
Congrats on taking the first step, Michael! The midwest is a solid place to look for turnkey multis, but the biggest thing especially when you're out of state is having people on the ground who know which pockets perform well and which to pass on. Every submarket has its own rhythm, so a local team can save you a lot of guesswork.
Are you mainly targeting stronger cash flow or something more stable for your first purchase? Happy to keep the conversation going!
@Min Zhang definitely looking toward cash flow and hoping to make this as passive as possible with a strong property manger as I am not looking to replace my job just want to add more investing into my portfolio with real estate that can hopefully build and build.
Hi everyone! My partner and I are looking into our first real estate venture and have settled on Ohio as a potential market. We are looking for agents and potential property managers with experience as we are out of state. We are currently looking at 5+ unit multi family preferably turnkey. Also looking for info on where we should be looking at properties. Have seen quite a few properties for sale in Cleveland that look promising but we know there are probably certain areas to avoid.
Thanks!
Hey Michael! Ohio is a great choice, and for long-term cash flow and appreciation, I’d definitely suggest taking a close look at Columbus alongside Cleveland. Columbus has been growing like crazy with strong population and job growth, and big companies like Intel, Amazon, Google, Facebook, Honda, Microsoft, and LG expanding here, which keeps rental demand high. You can still find 2–5 unit multifamily properties that hit the 1% rule and cash flow from day one, often in the $120K–180K range, which is great for your first out-of-state investment. Neighborhoods like South Linden, North Linden, Whitehall, and parts of the Hilltop have good potential if you run your comps carefully, while some areas in Cleveland can be trickier and require more hands-on management. Having a solid local agent and property manager is key for managing from afar, especially with turnkey or light-rehab units, and it can make your first venture much smoother while still letting you focus on cash flow and appreciation. Happy to connect and answer any questions you have!
@Michael Rowley I would recommend being in areas on the West Side of Cleveland like West Blvd, Cudell, Old Brooklyn, Clark Fulton, Edgewater, Jefferson, and Brooklyn Centre. The reason is the rent-to-price ratio is good so you can cash flow, and most of the West side doesn’t have a Point of sale inspection which is really annoying.
@Patrick Drury Thanks! I have been looking at multi family properties through crexi just to get an idea of what I would be looking at but hoping to connect with agents on here that have a better understanding of the area and may have connections with great management companies.
Hey @Michael Rowley, Ohio’s a great market for cash flow, just make sure you pick the right pockets. Cleveland has some solid deals but it’s very block-by-block, so having a good local PM or agent walk the area matters. Columbus is more competitive but super strong for rent demand and lower vacancy if you want something more stable. Before you commit to anything turnkey, I’d have a property manager confirm real rent numbers and conditions. If you want, I can point you toward some solid teams depending on the city.
Hi everyone! My partner and I are looking into our first real estate venture and have settled on Ohio as a potential market. We are looking for agents and potential property managers with experience as we are out of state. We are currently looking at 5+ unit multi family preferably turnkey. Also looking for info on where we should be looking at properties. Have seen quite a few properties for sale in Cleveland that look promising but we know there are probably certain areas to avoid.
Thanks!
Cleveland is solid to look at for cashflow. We do a ton of volume in Cleveland. I put together some resources like neighborhood map, contractor sheet, and investor package.
Ohio is a great choice for out-of-state investors, especially if you’re targeting 5+ unit turnkey multifamily. Cleveland offers excellent opportunities right now with strong cap rates, steady tenant demand, and plenty of inventory at reasonable price points. The key is focusing on pockets that have consistent rent performance, reliable property management coverage, and a track record of stability, which makes remote ownership much smoother.
Hi everyone! My partner and I are looking into our first real estate venture and have settled on Ohio as a potential market. We are looking for agents and potential property managers with experience as we are out of state. We are currently looking at 5+ unit multi family preferably turnkey. Also looking for info on where we should be looking at properties. Have seen quite a few properties for sale in Cleveland that look promising but we know there are probably certain areas to avoid.
Thanks!
It's important to know the area before investing. I would advise speaking with some local agents who already know the area and also have connections. Happy to help!
Hey michael I would first figure out your financial strategy/ goals and how much you are looking to invest so that you can narrow down your search. Happy to be a sounding board for you as I've been investing since 2008. Will send you a dm