Looking for guidance

Denver, Colorado
Multi-Family and Apartment Investing
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Looking for guidance

Robert Smith
Rental Property Investor · Denver, CO · Member since 2024 · 13 posts · 8 votes

Hey folks,

I'm looking to buy my first multi-family and first property in total. I currently live in the Denver, Co area, but I am looking in the following markets: Lansing, Mi and Cleveland, Oh. Would anyone be available to grab a coffee or beer? I'd love to pick your brain about how you got started, mistakes and lessons learned...etc.

Thanks,

Robbie

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

Hey Robert , I’ve been doing real estate here in Cleveland since 2018. On my BP profile you can learn more about my experience in Ohio and resources I have in the local area. Please let me know if you have any questions or if I can help with anything

[email protected]614-363-2787
Marc Rice | Investor Friendly Agent at Reafco Tailwind Team574 Reviews
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  • Troy DeLong
    Real Estate Agent · Lansing, MI · Member since 2020 · 169 posts · 91 votes
    1y

    @Robert Smith 

    Hey Robert! I'm not in the Denver area, but I am an agent / investor in the Lansing, MI market. More than happy to hop on a call / Zoom with you to discuss our market. 

    1Reply
  • Samuel DioufBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus & Cleveland, OH · Member since 2023 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    1y

    Hey Robert, Ohio is a strong market to invest in. I started investing here after moving from Florida because of the growing area. I spend all day sourcing deals now.

    [email protected]614-662-1652
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  • Marc RiceBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus Cleveland Dayton, OH · Member since 2018 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    1y

    Hey Robert , I’ve been doing real estate here in Cleveland since 2018. On my BP profile you can learn more about my experience in Ohio and resources I have in the local area. Please let me know if you have any questions or if I can help with anything

    [email protected]614-363-2787
    Marc Rice | Investor Friendly Agent at Reafco Tailwind Team574 Reviews
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    3Reply
  • Min ZhangBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    1y

    Welcome to the community Robert! Cleveland is a great choice if you’re all about cash flow. Just make sure to do your homework on the neighborhoods. There are properties that might look great on paper, but the area can sometimes be less than ideal. I suggest checking out the west side.  Best of luck on your search!

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  • Jimmy LieuBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus, OH · Member since 2019 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    1y
    Quote from @Robert Smith:

    Hey folks,

    I'm looking to buy my first multi-family and first property in total. I currently live in the Denver, Co area, but I am looking in the following markets: Lansing, Mi and Cleveland, Oh. Would anyone be available to grab a coffee or beer? I'd love to pick your brain about how you got started, mistakes and lessons learned...etc.

    Thanks,

    Robbie

    If you live in Denver, you should definitely consider investing out of state. As an investor, you should look into income hacking. It's a concept which you earn a high income in your local market but you use the capital to invest in a much cheaper up and coming real estate market where you can still find cash flow and tons of appreciation. Personally, I would recommend taking a look at Columbus Ohio! A lot of my out of state real estate clients really like this market because the macroeconomics look so good for this market - population is growing, job growth is growing, and so many companies moving and developing here. Look at Intel headquarters, Google, FB, Microsoft, LG, Amazon, Nationwide, Honda, etc. Additionally, the price point is still cheap enough to find the 1% rule and positive cash flow and it's super landlord friendly (so you will never have to go through a 12 month eviction or anything close to that!). Lastly, the price point is still very cheap here in the sense that you can still find investment deals that hit the 1% rule for 120-180k! Happy to connect and answer any questions you have!

    [email protected]614-300-7535
    Jimmy Lieu, Red 1 Realty4.9119 Reviews
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  • Robert Smith
    OP
    Rental Property Investor · Denver, CO · Member since 2024 · 13 posts · 8 votes
    1y

    Thanks for all the replies. I appreciate it!

    0Reply
  • Alex Suarez
    Investor · Denver, CO · Member since 2020 · 12 posts · 5 votes
    1y

    Hey Robert, I'm a local investor currently based in the Aurora, CO area. We had a rental in Aurora, CO close to the airport and currently invest in Florida. Don't have much experience investing in those areas that you mentioned but if you'd like to connect I'm happy to have a convo!

    0Reply
    • Robert Smith
      OP
      Rental Property Investor · Denver, CO · Member since 2024 · 13 posts · 8 votes
      1y
      Quote from @Alex Suarez:

      Hey Robert, I'm a local investor currently based in the Aurora, CO area. We had a rental in Aurora, CO close to the airport and currently invest in Florida. Don't have much experience investing in those areas that you mentioned but if you'd like to connect I'm happy to have a convo!


       Thanks Alex! I'll send you a message. I'd love to hear from you on your experience in long distance investing.

      0Reply
  • Mya Toohey
    Real Estate Agent · Tampa Florida · Member since 2013 · 630 posts · 303 votes
    1y

    @Robert Smith. Would you consider a renovation or BRRRR in the Clearwater, Saint Pete and Tampa Bay Area of good 'ol' sunny Florida. If you ever come down. I'll meet you for coffee!!! Best of Luck!!!! Utilize your local gurus most of all. Outside trends and selling tackets don't always work in every market. Find a GREAT Realtor and have them run CMA's. (Comparable Market Analysis) and they can be your boots on the ground. Pay them per task if needing quotes or contractors met. You know, all the extra that we as investors would do ourselves had we been on site. You can find one here on the Bigger Pockets resources. Cheers!

    0Reply
    • Robert Smith
      OP
      Rental Property Investor · Denver, CO · Member since 2024 · 13 posts · 8 votes
      1y
      Quote from @Mya Toohey:

      @Robert Smith. Would you consider a renovation or BRRRR in the Clearwater, Saint Pete and Tampa Bay Area of good 'ol' sunny Florida. If you ever come down. I'll meet you for coffee!!! Best of Luck!!!! Utilize your local gurus most of all. Outside trends and selling tackets don't always work in every market. Find a GREAT Realtor and have them run CMA's. (Comparable Market Analysis) and they can be your boots on the ground. Pay them per task if needing quotes or contractors met. You know, all the extra that we as investors would do ourselves had we been on site. You can find one here on the Bigger Pockets resources. Cheers!


       Thanks Mya, I appreciate the response. I actually briefly considered looking at Florida, but I opted against that because of the insurance and natural disaster risk.

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

    @Robert Smith

    unless you're able to go to one of those markets in person, repeatedly, to build your team, i'd just invest locally.  there are so many forum posts from folks in HCOL areas that think they'll be successful solely because of the low price points in markets like those, and that can result in disaster.

    hope this helps.

    2Reply
  • Mark R. Winkle
    Member since 2025 · 5 posts · 0 votes
    1y

    An old professor told me years ago, "never buy property that you can't drive by every day to be sure it's still there. 

    0Reply
  • Greg Kasmer
    Rental Property Investor · Philadelphia, PA · Member since 2021 · 770 posts · 499 votes
    1y

    @Robert Smith - Robert, I'm targeting multifamily outside of Philadelphia in the suburbs. Still new to the multifamily space so learning as well. Happy to talk with you and collaborate. Let me know if you'd like to chat!

    1Reply
    • Robert Smith
      OP
      Rental Property Investor · Denver, CO · Member since 2024 · 13 posts · 8 votes
      1y
      Quote from @Greg Kasmer:

      @Robert Smith - Robert, I'm targeting multifamily outside of Philadelphia in the suburbs. Still new to the multifamily space so learning as well. Happy to talk with you and collaborate. Let me know if you'd like to chat!


       @Greg Kasmer: I'd happy to chat, and hear about your experience so far!

      0Reply
  • Kerri Shaffer
    Realtor · Denver, CO · Member since 2015 · 24 posts · 16 votes
    1y

    @Robert Smith

    Welcome, Robbie! 

    I'm living in Denver but from Ohio! I have done a couple of small live-in flips myself, and then I've managed several multi-family units for other investors as well. Solidifying your financing strategy would be a good first step! 

    Would be more than happy to meet up sometime in Denver if you're looking to network and chat! I could give you some perspective on purchasing contracts and property management options. I'm still licensed and active in Ohio too, mostly around Columbus, but I have some good contacts in Cleveland :) 

    1Reply
    • Robert Smith
      OP
      Rental Property Investor · Denver, CO · Member since 2024 · 13 posts · 8 votes
      1y
      Quote from @Kerri Shaffer:

      @Robert Smith

      Welcome, Robbie! 

      I'm living in Denver but from Ohio! I have done a couple of small live-in flips myself, and then I've managed several multi-family units for other investors as well. Solidifying your financing strategy would be a good first step! 

      Would be more than happy to meet up sometime in Denver if you're looking to network and chat! I could give you some perspective on purchasing contracts and property management options. I'm still licensed and active in Ohio too, mostly around Columbus, but I have some good contacts in Cleveland :) 

      Thank you Kerri! That's wonderful, are you involved in any meetups in the metro area?
      0Reply
    • Kerri Shaffer
      Realtor · Denver, CO · Member since 2015 · 24 posts · 16 votes
      1y
      Quote from @Robert Smith:
      Quote from @Kerri Shaffer:

      @Robert Smith

      Welcome, Robbie! 

      I'm living in Denver but from Ohio! I have done a couple of small live-in flips myself, and then I've managed several multi-family units for other investors as well. Solidifying your financing strategy would be a good first step! 

      Would be more than happy to meet up sometime in Denver if you're looking to network and chat! I could give you some perspective on purchasing contracts and property management options. I'm still licensed and active in Ohio too, mostly around Columbus, but I have some good contacts in Cleveland :) 

      Thank you Kerri! That's wonderful, are you involved in any meetups in the metro area?

      I'm not currently, but hope to be soon! I just moved back to the area in March, so still getting settled back in! Previously I've gone to meetups with property management (through NARPM) and real estate investing through some local groups. Currently looking into Colorado REIA and The Denver Real Estate Meetup!

      0Reply
  • Mike PaolucciBusiness Member
    Realtor · Columbus Cleveland Dayton, OH · Member since 2022 · 490 posts · 549 votes
    1y
    Quote from @Robert Smith:

    Hey folks,

    I'm looking to buy my first multi-family and first property in total. I currently live in the Denver, Co area, but I am looking in the following markets: Lansing, Mi and Cleveland, Oh. Would anyone be available to grab a coffee or beer? I'd love to pick your brain about how you got started, mistakes and lessons learned...etc.

    Thanks,

    Robbie


     Hey Robbie. Since you're looking into Cleveland, I'd also suggest looking into Dayton. It's a similar type of market. Happy to connect and share some of my OOS investing experience (that's how I got started back in 2021). 

    [email protected]614-892-9184
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  • Drew SygitBusiness Member
    Property Manager · Royal Oak, MI · Member since 2012 · 12k+ posts · 9k+ votes
    1y

    @Robert Smith how'd you pick Lansing over Metro Detroit?

    [email protected]248-209-6824
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  • Robert Smith
    OP
    Rental Property Investor · Denver, CO · Member since 2024 · 13 posts · 8 votes
    1y

    @Drew Sygit

    Good question,

    For me it primarily came down to the current economic environment, when taking into consideration the tariffs and Detroit's manufacturing heavy economy it seemed to risky to consider at the moment. Whereas Lansing, with it being the capital and it's proximity to Michigan State, it seems to me to be a safer bet at the moment over somewhere like Detroit.

    0Reply
  • Drew SygitBusiness Member
    Property Manager · Royal Oak, MI · Member since 2012 · 12k+ posts · 9k+ votes
    1y

    @Robert Smith how did you evaluate Landing vs Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti markets?

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    • Robert Smith
      OP
      Rental Property Investor · Denver, CO · Member since 2024 · 13 posts · 8 votes
      1y
      Quote from @Drew Sygit:

      @Robert Smith how did you evaluate Landing vs Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti markets?


       Kind of a similar methodology, looking at entry level price points in one area vs the other, and then taking into account higher education and economic environemetns.

      0Reply
  • Greg WeikBusiness Member
    Property Manager · Denver, CO · Member since 2020 · 263 posts · 327 votes
    1y

    @Robert Smith, is the inclination to purchase multi-family based on your available capital? 

    I would discourage:

    -Multi-family

    -Out of state

    I wrote a lengthy post recently on the various rental property types and why I try to steer my clients to SFR and away from MF/C/T.

    https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/517/topics/1243229-the-... 

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    • Robert Smith
      OP
      Rental Property Investor · Denver, CO · Member since 2024 · 13 posts · 8 votes
      1y
      Quote from @Greg Weik:

      @Robert Smith, is the inclination to purchase multi-family based on your available capital? 

      I would discourage:

      -Multi-family

      -Out of state

      I wrote a lengthy post recently on the various rental property types and why I try to steer my clients to SFR and away from MF/C/T.

      https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/517/topics/1243229-the-... 


      I did a quick read through your post. I agree SFRs offer strong long-term benefits, especially with tenant quality and liquidity. But for my goals—cash flow, scale, and out-of-state investing—small multifamily makes more sense.

      They often cash flow better, let me acquire more units per deal, and I can force appreciation by improving rents and operations. I can also invest in landlord-friendly markets where MF properties aren’t as heavily impacted by regulation.

      SFRs and MFs both work—it just depends on your strategy, timeline, and capital stack. I am aiming for units under management, to replace a higher band W-2 salary.

      0Reply
  • Kerlous TadresBusiness Member
    Realtor · Columbus, OH · Member since 2023 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    1y

    Hey Robbie, congrats on starting your investment journey!
    Both Lansing and Cleveland are solid markets, but each has its unique opportunities. Lansing is affordable with a stable economy, driven by Michigan State and government jobs focus on properties near the university or government offices. Cleveland is growing with diverse opportunities, especially near hospitals and universities, but being mindful of neighborhood variability, research is important. Common mistakes to avoid include underestimating repair/management costs, ignoring market trends and job growth, and skipping thorough inspections.

    Happy to connect further if you'd like more insights! Good luck!

    [email protected]614-490-1163
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  • Kate Sanchez
    Member since 2025 · 240 posts · 97 votes
    1y

    @Robert Smith  Great markets to explore, especially Cleveland with its solid cash-flow potential. Start by defining your criteria (unit count, budget, returns) and line up a good local team. Wishing you the best on your first deal!

    1Reply
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