All Forum Posts by: Gamal Harding

@Katie Cooke As out-of-state investors, finding the right balance between staying informed and letting your property manager do their job is critical.

Here's my perspective 

1. Late-Paying Tenants
It’s normal for owners to want updates on chronic late payers. A good PM should track these tenants closely, communicate patterns to you, and advise if/when it’s time to escalate toward stronger action. Monthly reporting (through an owner portal or statement) is usually sufficient — you shouldn’t need to chase updates if the system is working well. Owners should be informed, but not in the weeds of every reminder call or text. On another note, often times, tenants pay cycle could dictate this chronic problem. If they are paying the full balance within the month, I would not be terribly worried

2. Repair Updates & Timelines
Waiting 8 weeks for clarity on a repair is not standard. Industry best practice is timely communication — typically before, and after completion (with photos for documentation). Depending on the scope of work, pictures during work maybe over kill, but can be expected if you have a large renovation etc. The systems and processes we use allow our team to provide timely updates to clients seamlessly.  Managing at scale is HARD and requires the right system to make it work. Owners should expect proactive communication without having to follow up repeatedly.

3. Vendors & Quality Control
It’s fair to ask how vendors are selected and whether they’re vetted for reliability, pricing, and quality. Transparency matters here. Your PM should be able to explain their vendor standards, provide photos, and give you confidence the work is done right.

A productive owner–PM relationship means you get clear reporting, timely updates, and professional recommendations — without needing to micromanage. If you find yourself constantly chasing updates, it’s usually a process or systems issue on the management side, not an overstep on your part.

The right property manager should make your investment feel hands-off but never blindfolded

Great breakdown, @Gia Hermosillo We’re definitely seeing these trends in action here in Columbus. Tenant demand has stayed steady across our portfolio, and the balance between affordability and rent growth is creating some interesting opportunities for investors who want both cash flow and long-term upside.

What I find most compelling is how quickly different neighborhoods are evolving with all the development activity. It’s one of those markets where you can still get in at a reasonable entry point but also ride the appreciation wave as the city continues to grow.

Curious if others here on BP are noticing similar dynamics in their markets — are you seeing that same combination of affordability + growth elsewhere, or is this more unique to Columbus right now?

Great question — and you’re right, it’s a bit unconventional because property managers usually focus on long-term rentals, not fix & flips. That said, I’ve found there are situations where a property manager can add real value in a flip strategy:

1. Tenant Management During Longer Holds
If you’re planning to hold for 6–18 months (waiting on appreciation, permits, or financing seasoning), a property manager can place and manage tenants so you’re not bleeding carrying costs. The key is aligning lease terms with your exit.

2. Short-Term Rentals as a Bridge
I’ve seen investors cover expenses with short-term rentals (Airbnb, etc.) while waiting for the right time to sell. It only works if you have a manager who can handle guest turnover, compliance, and operations — otherwise, it’s too much to juggle during a renovation.

3. Rehab Coordination / Turnovers
Some PM companies (ours included in Columbus, Ohio) also run construction and turnover teams. That hybrid setup is useful if you’re out of state and need eyes on vendors, during the flip process.

4. Protecting the Asset Pre-Sale
Vacant properties attract problems — theft, leaks, frozen pipes. Having a PM do periodic inspections and keep utilities running can save a lot of headaches.

The bottom line though, is If it’s a quick lipstick flip, you probably don’t need a property manager. But if your strategy involves any kind of hold, rental income bridge, or asset protection, the right PM can offset risk and carrying costs.

In our case at 10X, we work with some investors who are flippers and just need short-term management, inspections, or construction support to keep their projects moving. It’s not the majority of our work, but it does add value in certain situations.

Hi Mary, we’re real estate brokers as well. Happy to connect with you. 

@Rebeca Moreno Welcome to the Bigger Pockets community! It's fantastic that you're looking to purchase a multi-family or duplex unit in the Columbus area for a medium rehab project. You've definitely come to the right place to find resources and connections.

Here, you'll find several knowledgeable and experienced agents who can help guide you in securing the right property. Additionally, it's a good idea to connect with a Property Manager early on. They can offer valuable insights into the local market, potential rental yields, and specific considerations for a rehab project like the one you're planning. A Property Manager can also assist with understanding local regulations and the practical aspects of property management, ensuring you make a well-informed decision.

Feel free to share more about your specific needs. I'm sure many here, including myself, would be happy to discuss potential opportunities with you. Looking forward to hearing more about your investment journey!

Anduril Industries' Expansion to Columbus: A Transformative Move for Real Estate Investors

Anduril Industries, a prominent defense technology company based in Costa Mesa, California, has announced plans to establish a new manufacturing facility in Pickaway County, near Rickenbacker International Airport. This move, representing a $900 million investment and the creation of 4,000 new jobs by 2035, positions Columbus, Ohio, at the forefront of technological and economic growth. As real estate investors and property owners, understanding the broader implications of this development will be key to navigating the opportunities it presents.

Anduril Industries and Its Expansion Plans

Anduril Industries specializes in advanced defense technology, including artificial intelligence, robotics, and autonomous systems. Their decision to expand into Ohio is not just a strategic move for the company but a significant boon for the local economy. The new facility, dubbed "Arsenal 1," will encompass 5 million square feet and is expected to start manufacturing operations by July 2026. This development is part of a broader trend that sees Columbus evolving into the "Silicon Heartland," with other major players like Intel and Honda already establishing significant operations in the region.

Economic Impact and Job Creation

The arrival of Anduril is poised to become the largest job-creation project in Ohio's history, with the company planning to hire 4,000 employees. This influx of high-paying jobs (averaging $60 per hour) is expected to draw a significant number of professionals to the area, boosting demand for housing and various services. JobsOhio projects that, indirectly, approximately 4,500 additional jobs will be created by 2035, further amplifying this effect.

Implications for Real Estate Demand

The substantial increase in the workforce will drive demand for both rental and owner-occupied housing. Property investors can anticipate appreciating property values and heightened demand in residential markets close to the new facility. Moreover, the economic ripple effect will likely increase the need for commercial properties, including retail spaces, offices, and support services for the new facility and its employees.

Strategic Investment Opportunities

For real estate investors, the strategic implication is clear: now is the opportune time to invest in Columbus. The projected growth in the local population and economy creates a fertile ground for both residential and commercial real estate development and acquisition. Whether it’s developing new housing complexes or refurbishing existing ones for higher-end rentals, the opportunities for capitalizing on this growth are vast.

The decision by Anduril Industries to set up shop in Columbus is a game-changer, signaling a major shift in the city's economic landscape that savvy investors should not overlook. As Columbus cements its reputation as a tech hub, the ongoing and planned investments by major tech firms are likely to ensure long-term growth in the local real estate market. For those looking to expand or diversify their real estate portfolio, Columbus offers a compelling case for investment.

Hope this provides some insightful value to those on the fence of investing in Columbus Ohio

@Kyle Neimeister- please send me a message with what you have. Thanks.

@Michael Smythe Great processes Michael!

Hey @Tyler Speelman- 

2 options to consider:

1. Seller finance the property- ask for an up front, non-refundable down payment of $XXX (which could be used as his primary residence down payment), payments of $X over X years at X interest rate with a balloon payment in X years

2. Take out an equity line of credit on the property that can be sides as the down payment for the primary residence. They may need to be careful on this one as that may impact his DTI ratio. if his income is strong enough and not as much debt, he should be OK

Hope that helps..

@Doug Kirk Similar to @Remington Lyman, I also use Ohio Real Title and they're great to work with (I have no affiliation)