All Forum Posts by: Anthony L Amos Jr

Quote from @Chris Fisher:

Hello all,

I'm new to all this. I'm looking at building a portfolio in Toledo, OH. Anybody live around here so I can pick your brain? 

More general question: We have a lot of really cheap fixer uppers around here. I'm talking 50K or less. Rents in those neighborhoods are showing as $1200+ a month. They're not the greatest neighborhoods. Is it worth BRRRRing these houses? 

Thanks,
Chris

Hey Chris! Welcome to the journey!

Toledo's got potential, but I'd be cautious with those sub-50K fixer uppers if you're looking to BRRRR. Most of those are probably in C/D class areas, so you'll need to make sure there's enough resale or appraisal value to actually pull your money back out. Tenant screening is huge in those neighborhoods, and you'll want to confirm that folks are actually paying $1,200 consistently. I'd suggest grabbing rent comps from local property managers, happy to share my contacts if you're interested.

Quote from @Garrett Prenger:

I have 70k saved up and I am looking for ways to invest it and produce monthly cashflow. Is multifamily a good option for cashflow? If so what are some tips on finding my multifamily first deal?

70k is a great spot to start from, enough for a down payment and reserves on a househack in a B+ area of Columbus. A-class neighborhoods won’t cashflow as easily, but B+ gives you decent rents and less tenant drama. Live there for 2 years, then rinse and repeat. If househacking’s not for you, go for a B/C class 2-4 unit in the $325–350k range. Should cashflow if you manage it yourself and screen tenants well. Chat with local agents who know the small multifam game, that’ll save you a ton of time and headaches.

Quote from @Xuming Yu:

I'm a first-time investor purchasing out of state and had a quick question for those with more experience. When you're looking at properties that only need cosmetic updates (like paint and flooring), do you typically offer close to market value?

I'm trying to run the numbers using the BRRRR strategy, but if I pay market price, it seems like I won't be able to pull out much (if any) of my initial down payment during the refinance. Would love to hear how others approach this—any insights or tips would be greatly appreciated!

Don't massage the numbers, let them speak for themselves. Make an offer grounded in what truly works for your strategy. Know the rehab costs in the area, and always build in a contingency to stay protected.

Quote from @Natasha Rooney:

Hello! 

We are interested in starting to get into flipping. We are out of country but do have the ability to travel frequently. We are looking for an area to start with low entry points and are thinking OH markets. Thoughts on this? Or are other areas that may be higher entry costs (which we'd have to use financing) a better idea? 

Thanks! 

Using your own cash can boost returns since you're not paying interest, but it ties up funds, which can be risky if an emergency pops up. That’s why financing can be clutch for staying liquid.

Flips exist in tons of markets. Ohio’s solid for low entry points, but if you’ve got financing options, pricier areas could mean bigger upside. It really comes down to how strong your deal-finding game is

Quote from @Matt Tortora:

I am brand new to multifamily investing and looking to acquire my first property. I've heard that there is a lot of competition for good deals in the $1M - $5M range. So I would love to get insight from others with experience.

Just how hard is it to find good properties? How competitive is the bidding process? What are the best channels to use when looking for properties?

Finding good properties really depends on what you’re looking for. High cap rates? Cash flow? Long-term growth? Different markets offer different strengths, so start by knowing your goals and budget.

Don’t stress the competition. Just make offers that work for you—and if it doesn’t pan out, move on. Sometimes mixing it up with a seller finance option helps.

And for finding deals? Stay consistent. Use realtors, marketing, networking—just analyze a lot of properties. The good ones show up when you’re doing the work. 

Quote from @Melissa Adams:

Hello! My name is Melissa and I reside in Columbus, Ohio. I’m only beginning to delve into real estate investing, and gain knowledge and insight. I was a Real Estate Paralegal for 13 years. I am extremely eager to learn all I can and then put a plan in motion. I hope to connect with like-minded people to help navigate this new endeavor. 

Welcome, Melissa—great to see another Columbus local on here! Your paralegal background is a major asset in this space. If you ever want to connect or chat about neighborhoods, deal analysis, or next steps, I’d be happy to share what I’ve learned working with investors in the area. Wishing you the best as you dive in!

Quote from @Keaton Vols:

I am a young investor with one house hack currently. Deals around my area don't seem to be the best. But I am uneasy to invest outside of my region. If you guys have any tips on the ins and outs or suggestions Id appreciate it

I would suggest investing somewhere you are familiar with. Maybe you have family in another area that's more affordable, maybe another market is within a couple of hours driving distance from you, etc. This can ease some of the fears you have, and eventually you'll be comfortable investing anywhere. 

What are you looking to accomplish by posting this in the forums? 

Quote from @Harry Shin:

Hello, I live in Seattle, WA. The market here is very expensive and mainly focused in building ADUs and appreciation. As this will be my first out of state investment, I'm looking to do more turnkey/light renovations, class B- or better neighborhoods, and focused on monthly cashflow rather than appreciation. Will be doing mostly cash. I know this is a unicorn of a buy box but any help would be great. Focused in Michigan or Ohio as I'm original from there, but any wisdom would be great!

If you're looking for solid cashflow markets, Toledo is definitely worth a look. It has a good selection of B- or better neighborhoods where the numbers still make sense. One of the perks is that it borders Michigan, so if you're based nearby, you have the option to tap into both Ohio and Michigan markets without a ton of extra overhead.

Personally, I invest in Toledo and Columbus, and I’ve found them to complement each other nicely. Columbus offers strong appreciation potential and a diverse job market, while Toledo gives you more affordability and cashflow right out of the gate

What type of properties are you looking to rehab? Contractor experience varies, so it’s important to find one who fits your needs. Always vet referrals thoroughly—recommendations don’t guarantee quality.

Joining the local Real Estate Investor Association (REIA) or Facebook groups can help you find reliable contractors and get investor insights.

I can send referrals to evaluate. Let me know if you’d like key vetting questions!