Newbie investor here — which Cleveland neighborhoods would you steer clear of?

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Newbie investor here — which Cleveland neighborhoods would you steer clear of?

Achi Solomon
Member since 2019 · 3 posts · 9 votes

Hey BP!
I'm a foreign investor, new here, and looking to buy a buy-and-hold rental in Cleveland in the $100K-$200K range.

I've been doing my own research on Zillow, crime maps, and school ratings, and areas like Kinsman, Hough, Glenville, Mount Pleasant, and Union-Miles keep showing up as high-yield but rough.

Since I can't drive the streets myself from overseas, I'd really appreciate on-the-ground input from locals. Which neighborhoods or specific blocks would you tell a newbie, especially a foreign one, to avoid completely, and are there any that look worse on paper than they actually are?

Any east side vs west side advice that still holds up in 2026 would also be much appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

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Nicholas L.Pro Member
Flipper/Rehabber · Pittsburgh · Member since 2018 · 6k+ posts · 5k+ votes
1mo

@Achi Solomon

if you're overseas and can't go there... all of them.

sorry if that comes off as flippant but i actually really mean it.

when folks buy properties "remotely" - even in the US - this is what tends to happen:


Turnkey Nightmare: Property Manager Ignored My Warning About a Missing A/C…

Nightmare with my property manager - advice needed!

Feedback Needed: $8.8k Turnover Quote for 2BR Duplex (Half)

Out-of-State Landlord Nightmare: 4 Months No Rent, Cleveland Escrow Battle

Failed BRR in Memphis TN

A Cautionary Tale About a Property Manager in Cinncinatti

https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/48/topics/1242392-rough...

https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/48/topics/1137397-balti...

https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/432/topics/1231840-sell...

https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/311/topics/840134-memph...

https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/963/topics/1195280-expe...

3Reply
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  • Evan HoppleBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus Cleveland Dayton, OH · Member since 2023 · 284 posts · 420 votes
    1mo
    Quote from @Achi Solomon:

    Hey BP!
    I'm a foreign investor, new here, and looking to buy a buy-and-hold rental in Cleveland in the $100K-$200K range.

    I've been doing my own research on Zillow, crime maps, and school ratings, and areas like Kinsman, Hough, Glenville, Mount Pleasant, and Union-Miles keep showing up as high-yield but rough.

    Since I can't drive the streets myself from overseas, I'd really appreciate on-the-ground input from locals. Which neighborhoods or specific blocks would you tell a newbie, especially a foreign one, to avoid completely, and are there any that look worse on paper than they actually are?

    Any east side vs west side advice that still holds up in 2026 would also be much appreciated!

    Thanks in advance!


    Welcome! I'd start on the west side. The east side is much more street by street, and it's easier for a newer investor to end up buying in a bad location if you don't know the area well. I can share a neighborhood grading map of the city that gives a good starting point. Feel free to DM me

    [email protected]614-924-8151
    Reafco Real Estate
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    1Reply
  • Achi Solomon
    OP
    Member since 2019 · 3 posts · 9 votes
    1mo

    Thank you, Evan - I would love that!

    1Reply
  • Andrew Weiner
    Property Manager · Cleveland, OH · Member since 2020 · 268 posts · 315 votes
    1mo

    Hi Achi,

    I think that the neighborhoods that you listed pencil in as high yield but in many cases vacancy, repairs, and delinquency are much higher than you project in these areas.  Also make sure you are familiar with the Cleveland local agent in charge and lead safe rules, this only applies in the city of Cleveland, not in the suburbs (Parma, Lakewood, Euclid, Garfield Heights, etc.).  

    0Reply
  • Nicholas L.Pro Member
    Flipper/Rehabber · Pittsburgh · Member since 2018 · 6k+ posts · 5k+ votes
    1mo

    @Achi Solomon

    if you're overseas and can't go there... all of them.

    sorry if that comes off as flippant but i actually really mean it.

    when folks buy properties "remotely" - even in the US - this is what tends to happen:


    Turnkey Nightmare: Property Manager Ignored My Warning About a Missing A/C…

    Nightmare with my property manager - advice needed!

    Feedback Needed: $8.8k Turnover Quote for 2BR Duplex (Half)

    Out-of-State Landlord Nightmare: 4 Months No Rent, Cleveland Escrow Battle

    Failed BRR in Memphis TN

    A Cautionary Tale About a Property Manager in Cinncinatti

    https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/48/topics/1242392-rough...

    https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/48/topics/1137397-balti...

    https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/432/topics/1231840-sell...

    https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/311/topics/840134-memph...

    https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/963/topics/1195280-expe...

    3Reply
  • Arman AhmedPro Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus Cleveland Dayton, OH · Member since 2024 · 2k+ posts · 890 votes
    1mo
    Quote from @Achi Solomon:

    Hey BP!
    I'm a foreign investor, new here, and looking to buy a buy-and-hold rental in Cleveland in the $100K-$200K range.

    I've been doing my own research on Zillow, crime maps, and school ratings, and areas like Kinsman, Hough, Glenville, Mount Pleasant, and Union-Miles keep showing up as high-yield but rough.

    Since I can't drive the streets myself from overseas, I'd really appreciate on-the-ground input from locals. Which neighborhoods or specific blocks would you tell a newbie, especially a foreign one, to avoid completely, and are there any that look worse on paper than they actually are?

    Any east side vs west side advice that still holds up in 2026 would also be much appreciated!

    Thanks in advance!


    As someone who works with investors in Cleveland, I'd focus less on the neighborhood name and more on the specific street and your investment strategy. Cleveland can change block by block. If you're investing remotely, having a trusted local team is just as important as picking the right area. I'd also suggest looking at west side neighborhoods and some inner-ring suburbs if you're aiming for a balance of cash flow and stability. The best deals are the ones where the numbers work, and the location fits your long-term goals.
    [email protected]614-418-6081
    1Reply
  • Samuel DioufBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus & Cleveland, OH · Member since 2023 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    1mo

    Starting out, I'd avoid all the D and F grade neighborhoods. 

    I'd be happy to send you a graded map of the area and share a list of useful contacts.

    [email protected]614-662-1652
    Reafco - Samuel Diouf528 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    0Reply
    • Achi Solomon
      OP
      Member since 2019 · 3 posts · 9 votes
      1mo
      Quote from @Samuel Diouf:

      Starting out, I'd avoid all the D and F grade neighborhoods. 

      I'd be happy to send you a graded map of the area and share a list of useful contacts.


       would love that , please share : )

      0Reply
  • Patrick DruryBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus, OH & Cleveland OH · Member since 2021 · 1k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    1mo

    @Achi Solomon
    If your looking in Cleveland, 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.

    [email protected]614-412-4565
    Reafco-555 Reviews
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    0Reply
  • Ebuka Ojiba
    Investor · OH · Member since 2026 · 4 posts · 1 vote
    3w

    I would focus on getting a local realtor you can work with and trust to have your best interest at heart. There are bad properties in both the Eastside and Westside, and a trusted realtor can identify that for you. Be sure to review multiple realtors to find the best for you before settling on anyone. Consider Erick Bazzo with On Target Realty.

    0Reply
  • Pete Boukis
    Real Estate Agent · Gates Mills, OH · Member since 2015 · 3 posts · 0 votes
    3w

    Establish boots on the grounds. You're going to need property management in place and possibly a rehab team if your doing a BRRRR. There's pleny of high quality Eastside neighborhoods as well as Westside. People tend to recommend what they are comfortable with.

    0Reply
  • Sircalvin HendersonPro Member
    Real Estate Agent · Cleveland, OH · Member since 2026 · 7 posts · 4 votes
    1w

    There definitely is some great buy n hold properties both east and west. I am from Cleveland Ohio born and raised 43 years. I am a Realtor with Keller Williams Chervenic SAL.2026003326. I am a new realtor only licensed for 30 days. I know it could be risky investing in foreign land with a brand new agent . I’ve been a bigger pockets fan since Josh Dorkin and co host Brandon Turner. I may be newly licensed but I know this market. As someone who lived in multiple communities paid rents and knows which neighborhoods to stay away from. I have the resources to send you market trends, median household income, crime rates, renters vs owners % market value recent comps within 90 days. I will do the work before I even ask you to sign anything. I also been keeping a close eye on the Multi family commercial market.

    I can show you, I am worth the relationship/partnership.

    Thank you

    Sircalvin Henderson Sr.

    0Reply
  • Marc RiceBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus Cleveland Dayton, OH · Member since 2018 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    1w

    Anything below B class I wouldn't recommend

    [email protected]614-363-2787
    Marc Rice | Investor Friendly Agent at Reafco Tailwind Team574 Reviews
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  • Sircalvin HendersonPro Member
    Real Estate Agent · Cleveland, OH · Member since 2026 · 7 posts · 4 votes
    1w

    Any neighborhood in Cleveland east/west the demographics can change quickly by a stop sign. I'm quite sure that's anywhere in America. If you want to decrease the risk increase the know. Purchase by asset class. And if you're afraid of vacancy don't be a one door wh*re. Look at the neighborhood income. I can't tell you where to purchase investments that will go against my fiduciary duties as a agent. If you hire me as your agent. I can send you properties based off your criteria you would have to do your own due diligence unless you partner with me. And give me control to make certain decisions based on your criteria and of course, I wouldn't decide anything without consent. I have a responsibility as licensed real estate professional to provide fairness and honesty. As my client I can provide you with resources like market reports , full detailed analysis on any property you're interested in purchasing. You will not have to worry about anything. There are plenty of good agents here from Cleveland who do really well. If I am not your guy Ibcan recommend some great agents who work with OOS or foreign investors. 

    0Reply
  • Oliver Moreau
    Member since 2026 · 7 posts · 0 votes
    1w

    People say Cleveland is street by street; the truth is this city is easy to learn if you want to put in a modest amount of effort. Dm me if you’d like personalized advice.

    0Reply
  • Jay TolugantiPro Member
    Investor · Clearwater, FL · Member since 2025 · 208 posts · 67 votes
    1w

    I am no expert but I would develop a process of elimination by checking what areas generally have long rental listings and having price drops. Rather than trying to avoid, create a buy box (after talking to couple of property managers in the area), which will identify must haves in neighborhood. 

    I would also recommemd below books:

    Strategy:

    Rich man in Babylon

    Robert Kiosaki

    • Rich Dad Poor Dad
    • Cashflow Quadrant
    • Guide to investing
    • Real book of Real Estate

    Real Estate Journey:

    Ken McKelroy

    • ABCs of Real Estate Investing
    • Advanced book of Real Estate Investing
    • ABC of Property management
    0Reply
  • James Wise
    Real Estate Broker · Cleveland Dayton Cincinnati Toledo Columbus & Akron, OH · Member since 2013 · 30k+ posts · 20k+ votes
    1w

    Where you should and should not invest in is about your risk tolerance and budget. As such, you should check out The Ultimate Guide to Grading Cleveland Neighborhoods so you can match the neighborhood with your risk tolerance and budget. Over the last 10 years 1,000's of out of state investors have used this free guide to help them get started in the Cleveland market.

    0Reply
  • Alfath AhmedBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus, OH · Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    5d
    Quote from @Achi Solomon:

    Hey BP!
    I'm a foreign investor, new here, and looking to buy a buy-and-hold rental in Cleveland in the $100K-$200K range.

    I've been doing my own research on Zillow, crime maps, and school ratings, and areas like Kinsman, Hough, Glenville, Mount Pleasant, and Union-Miles keep showing up as high-yield but rough.

    Since I can't drive the streets myself from overseas, I'd really appreciate on-the-ground input from locals. Which neighborhoods or specific blocks would you tell a newbie, especially a foreign one, to avoid completely, and are there any that look worse on paper than they actually are?

    Any east side vs west side advice that still holds up in 2026 would also be much appreciated!

    Thanks in advance!


     Cleveland is a pretty solid market for cashflow. You should look into B/C class areas primarily. There is a ton of inventory off-market that could get you 80-85% of true market value. 

    I really like old brooklyn, euclid, Jefferson, Corlett, and areas near the cleveland clinic. I have a ton of cold-callers circling the area and we find a ton of inventory there. Feel free to hit my line if you have any questions. 

    [email protected]614-802-5698
    ReafCo | Ahmed Group 55 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    0Reply
  • Michael Eskenasy
    Investor · Pacific Northwest · Member since 2026 · 438 posts · 240 votes
    5d

    I wouldn’t tell you to “avoid Cleveland’s east side” or buy the west side blindly. Cleveland is too block-specific for neighborhood-level rules to protect you.

    The areas you named—Kinsman, Hough, Glenville, Mount Pleasant, Union-Miles—can absolutely produce attractive spreadsheet yields. The problem for an out-of-country first-time owner is that the same yield can disappear quickly through turnover, deferred maintenance, weak management, collections, vandalism, or buying the wrong block.

    For a remote investor, I’d underwrite the operating environment, not just the cap rate:

    property → block → surrounding 5–10 blocks → tenant demand → management coverage → actual rehab condition → taxes/code/rental requirements → exit liquidity.

    Then verify the street using recent sales, rentals, vacancy/board-ups, ownership patterns and what is physically happening around the property. Two houses with the same ZIP code and nearly identical numbers can be completely different investments.

    If you’re new and managing from overseas, I’d generally accept a little less theoretical yield in exchange for more stable tenancy, easier management and a deeper resale market. You can graduate into the operationally harder high-yield pockets after you have a local team you trust.

    Achi, feel free to connect with me. If you have a few actual Cleveland properties you’re considering, send them over. I’d be happy to show you how I’d compare them at the property/block level rather than just giving you a list of “good” and “bad” neighborhoods.

    0Reply
  • Ashish AcharyaBusiness Member
    CPA, CFP®, PFS · FL · Member since 2017 · 5k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    5d

    Achi, for an overseas investor, I’d be especially careful about buying purely because a neighborhood shows a high cap rate on paper. In some areas, the extra yield can get eaten up quickly by turnover, collections, deferred maintenance, property management, security issues, and higher repair frequency.

    Since you can’t physically drive the streets yourself, I’d build the local team before buying: a property manager who actually manages in the specific neighborhood, an investor-friendly agent, inspector, and at least one reliable contractor. I’d also ask the property manager for their real experience on the specific block, not just the ZIP code, because conditions can change pretty quickly from one area to another.

    I'd underwrite every property with realistic management, vacancy, repairs, CapEx, taxes, insurance, and leasing costs rather than relying on the advertised rent-to-price ratio.

    From the tax side, because you’re a foreign investor, I’d get the U.S. tax structure sorted out before closing. How rental income is taxed, whether an election is made to treat the rental income on a net basis, withholding, ITIN/EIN requirements, entity ownership, and the eventual sale can all look different for a non-U.S. investor. FIRPTA can also become relevant when you eventually sell.

    So for me, the first decision isn’t just east side versus west side, it’s whether the property still works after you account for the added management and tax complexity of owning it from overseas.

    Feel free to DM me, I’d be happy to send over a few resources that might be helpful.

    [email protected]941-914-7779
    INVESTOR FRIENDLY CPA®5242 Reviews
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  • Jordan RayBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Memphis, TN · Member since 2023 · 620 posts · 317 votes
    5d
    Quote from @Achi Solomon:

    Hey BP!
    I'm a foreign investor, new here, and looking to buy a buy-and-hold rental in Cleveland in the $100K-$200K range.

    I've been doing my own research on Zillow, crime maps, and school ratings, and areas like Kinsman, Hough, Glenville, Mount Pleasant, and Union-Miles keep showing up as high-yield but rough.

    Since I can't drive the streets myself from overseas, I'd really appreciate on-the-ground input from locals. Which neighborhoods or specific blocks would you tell a newbie, especially a foreign one, to avoid completely, and are there any that look worse on paper than they actually are?

    Any east side vs west side advice that still holds up in 2026 would also be much appreciated!

    Thanks in advance!


    Welcome to BiggerPockets! Since I’m not a Cleveland investor, I’ll leave the specific neighborhood and block-by-block recommendations to the people here who actually own and manage property there, but I will say you’re doing the right thing by digging deeper than just purchase price and projected rent. As a foreign investor, your boots-on-the-ground team is going to be extremely important because even within the same neighborhood, a few streets can sometimes make a significant difference. I’d want an investor-friendly agent who also owns rentals, a strong property manager, a reliable general contractor, and good lending contacts helping me understand what the data doesn’t necessarily show from overseas. I’d also encourage you to research several markets before committing to Cleveland. Figure out which market best aligns with your investment goals, and once you find it, hone in on that market, learn the neighborhoods, rents, ARVs, rehab costs, expenses, and market trends, then build your portfolio there until you’re ready to expand. I’m an investor and agent in Memphis, and with your $100K–$200K buy box and focus on buy-and-hold cash flow, I'd recommend putting Memphis on your list to research as well. We still have properties that can meet or exceed the 1% rule while also providing appreciation potential when you buy quality assets in the right neighborhoods. If you eventually decide to pursue BRRRR/value-add properties, we also have local hard money lenders that can finance 100% of the purchase and 100% of the rehab, with many investors getting into deals with around $10,000 out of pocket before refinancing into long-term financing. Whatever market you ultimately choose, I think having trustworthy people physically on the ground is going to be one of the most important pieces of making this work successfully from overseas. Feel free to reach out, talk soon!

    [email protected]662-642-1458
    Jordan Ray - eXp Realty5110 Reviews
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