Student housing in Akron. As a first time home buyer

Akron, Ohio
Out of State Investing
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Student housing in Akron. As a first time home buyer

Michael Basile
Member since 2025 · 5 posts · 14 votes

Hi, I am a first time homebuyer/investor. I am from New York and in Ohio prices are way cheaper. I'd love to connect and get some insight:

  1. Typical student demand in Akron — are 5-bedroom houses easy to rent out?
  2. Best practices for managing student tenants remotely as an out-of-state owner.
  3. Anything I should know about property management fees, utilities, or local ordinances that affect student rentals.
  4. Any other tips for a first-time out-of-state investor in this market.

Thanks 

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  • Alfath AhmedBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus, OH · Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    9mo
    Quote from @Michael Basile:

    Hi, I am a first time homebuyer/investor. I am from New York and in Ohio prices are way cheaper. I'd love to connect and get some insight:

    1. Typical student demand in Akron — are 5-bedroom houses easy to rent out?
    2. Best practices for managing student tenants remotely as an out-of-state owner.
    3. Anything I should know about property management fees, utilities, or local ordinances that affect student rentals.
    4. Any other tips for a first-time out-of-state investor in this market.

    Thanks 


     Better to buy in cleveland. You will get better cashflow and more opportunities with equity play. Also - student housing is tough because usually they are in high tax zones. 

    Look into turnkey duplex near hospitals or downtown. Do google street view and have your agent send pics. You will do good.

    [email protected]614-802-5698
    ReafCo | Ahmed Group 55 Reviews
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  • Jimmy LieuBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus, OH · Member since 2019 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    9mo
    Quote from @Michael Basile:

    Hi, I am a first time homebuyer/investor. I am from New York and in Ohio prices are way cheaper. I'd love to connect and get some insight:

    1. Typical student demand in Akron — are 5-bedroom houses easy to rent out?
    2. Best practices for managing student tenants remotely as an out-of-state owner.
    3. Anything I should know about property management fees, utilities, or local ordinances that affect student rentals.
    4. Any other tips for a first-time out-of-state investor in this market.

    Thanks 

    Welcome to BP, Michael! Since you’re thinking about student rentals in Ohio, specifically Akron, 5-bedroom houses can rent out fairly well if you price them right and make sure the layout works for multiple tenants, but keep in mind that student demand can fluctuate with the semester and graduation cycles. Managing student tenants remotely definitely works, but having a reliable local property manager is key to handle maintenance, lease issues, and rent collection without constant oversight. Property management fees in Ohio are generally reasonable, often around 8–10% of collected rent, and utilities can vary depending on whether you include them in rent—many student rentals are partially furnished and some landlords include utilities to simplify things. Local ordinances can affect occupancy limits or parking requirements, so it’s good to check city regulations before buying. Another tip for first-time out-of-state investors is to focus on areas with strong local job growth and universities, like Columbus, which is nearby and has even more demand, steady appreciation, and deals that hit the 1% rule for $120–180K properties while still being landlord-friendly. Happy to connect and answer any questions you have!



    [email protected]614-300-7535
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  • Samuel DioufBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus & Cleveland, OH · Member since 2023 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    9mo

    Hey Michael, you can buy in Akron, but I wouldn't do a rent by the room strategy there, especially from out-of-state. Prices are already low enough to see substantial cash-flow without having to do that. 

    [email protected]614-662-1652
    Reafco - Samuel Diouf528 Reviews
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  • Min ZhangBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    9mo

    Good questions, Michael. Hello! In general, student demand is there if the house is close to campus and the layout makes sense. Five bedroom homes can rent well, but only if the bedrooms are usable and the price lines up with what students are actually paying. Managing remotely is doable, but it really comes down to having solid systems and someone local you trust to handle turnovers, issues, and inspections. On the cost side, be careful with utilities, maintenance, and management fees since student rentals tend to have more wear and higher turnover. It’s also important to understand local occupancy rules and rental regulations, as those can impact how many tenants you’re legally allowed to have.

    If this is your first out of state deal, being conservative on numbers and team selection will go a long way. What’s your main goal with this property? Happy to keep the conversation going!

    [email protected]614-412-2912
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  • Will GastonPro Member
    Rental Property Investor · Columbia, SC · Member since 2010 · 1k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    9mo
    Quote from @Michael Basile:

    Hi, I am a first time homebuyer/investor. I am from New York and in Ohio prices are way cheaper. I'd love to connect and get some insight:

    1. Typical student demand in Akron — are 5-bedroom houses easy to rent out?
    2. Best practices for managing student tenants remotely as an out-of-state owner.
    3. Anything I should know about property management fees, utilities, or local ordinances that affect student rentals.
    4. Any other tips for a first-time out-of-state investor in this market.

    Thanks 


     This thread may be helpful for student housing or college rentals: Nearing 1,000 College Tenants - Here's What I've Learned

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