All Forum Posts by: Jimmy Lieu

Welcome to BiggerPockets! This is an awesome place to learn, ask questions, and connect with other investors who are on the same path. When I first started, I spent a lot of time just reading through threads and soaking up the knowledge from people who had already been where I wanted to go, and that really helped me avoid a lot of mistakes. If you’re starting to look at markets, I’d definitely recommend checking out Columbus, Ohio—it’s one of the strongest rental markets in the country right now with population and job growth, major companies like Intel, Amazon, Google, and Honda moving in, and you can still find affordable properties in the $120–180K range that hit the 1% rule and cash flow from day one. It’s also landlord friendly, which is a big plus for long-term investing. Happy to connect and answer any questions you have!

I haven’t personally used a turnkey company long-term, but from what I’ve seen and heard around BP, the key is less about the company itself and more about how strong the underlying market is. If you’re looking in Ohio, I’d suggest putting Columbus high on your list—it’s one of the few metro areas where the fundamentals are really strong with population growth, job growth, and huge companies like Intel, Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Honda, and Nationwide investing here. On top of that, it’s still affordable compared to other cities, and you can often find properties in the $120–180K range that hit the 1% rule and cash flow right away. I moved from Portland to Columbus in 2020 and now own 10+ rentals here, and I’ve seen a lot of turnkey buyers do really well because the market itself is so solid. As long as you do your due diligence on both the property and the property manager, Columbus can be a great turnkey-friendly market. Happy to connect and answer any questions you have!

Hey that’s a great question and one a lot of people are wrestling with right now. If your goal is stable cash flow and moderate appreciation, I’d say you want to look for a market that still has affordable entry points but also has strong long-term fundamentals—things like population growth, job growth, and steady demand for rentals. A great example is Columbus, Ohio. I actually moved here from Portland, Oregon in 2020 to invest and now own 10+ rentals, and the reason I picked this market is because the macroeconomics are on fire. We’ve got huge companies moving in like Intel, Amazon, Google, Facebook, Microsoft, Honda, and LG, plus Ohio State University’s 68K+ students feeding the local economy. Despite all that growth, prices are still affordable compared to most metros, with deals in the $120K–180K range that can still hit the 1% rule and cash flow from day one. On top of that, the market has shown steady appreciation and it’s landlord-friendly, which makes managing properties easier. For long-term stability with solid upside, Columbus has been one of the best places to park capital. Happy to connect and answer any questions you have!

Welcome to BP, Marissa and congrats on taking the first step into real estate investing—that’s super exciting! Since you’re just getting started, one of the best things you can do is really focus on learning what makes a “good deal” for your goals. Some people chase appreciation, some want pure cash flow, and others look for a balance. If you’re looking for affordability and long-term potential, I’d recommend taking a serious look at Columbus, Ohio. I moved here from Portland back in 2020 to start investing and now own 10+ rentals here. The market is strong with both population and job growth, plus a ton of big companies like Intel, Amazon, Google, Honda, Microsoft, and Facebook investing heavily in the area. Even with all that growth, you can still find houses in the $120K–180K range that meet the 1% rule and cash flow from day one, which is getting really hard to find in most larger metros. On top of that, Ohio is landlord-friendly, which makes it a lot easier for newer investors. Don’t worry if it feels overwhelming at first—everyone starts where you are now. Happy to connect and answer any questions you have!

Hey Kaushik, welcome to BiggerPockets and congrats on stacking that 50K to get started, that’s a huge step forward. Since you’re not sure if Jacksonville is your long-term spot and you’re not super handy, going turnkey or built-to-rent definitely makes sense because it’ll let you get into the game without being tied down to a market you may leave or stressing over heavy renovations. If you’re open to out-of-state investing, I’d suggest looking into Columbus, Ohio. It’s one of the strongest rental markets in the country right now with population and job growth surging and massive companies moving in like Intel, Amazon, Google, Honda, Facebook, Microsoft, LG and more. Even with all that growth, prices are still really affordable compared to other metros, with plenty of deals in the $120–180K range that can hit the 1% rule and cash flow from day one. It’s also very landlord-friendly, which makes long-distance investing a lot smoother. Long-term appreciation potential here is also strong, so you get the benefit of cash flow now plus equity growth over time. Happy to connect and answer any questions you have!

Hey Tifanny, welcome to BP! With STR bonus depreciation, the key is that the property has to be "placed in service" before year end, which means it needs to be fully furnished, available for rent, and actively listed, but you don't necessarily need to have an actual booking come through. A lot of investors are able to close in December, get everything set up, and still qualify, but of course it's always smart to run it by your CPA since everyone's situation is a little different. On the out-of-state side, if you're looking for a market that works for both long-term and short-term rentals, Columbus, Ohio is worth considering. Prices are still affordable in the $120–180K range, you can find deals that hit the 1% rule and cash flow, and the macro factors are strong with population and job growth plus huge employers moving in like Intel, Amazon, Google, Honda, and Facebook. That combo makes it attractive for both STR and LTR investors. Happy to connect and answer any questions you have!

Hey Joseph, welcome to BP! Conneaut is a small town right on Lake Erie, so you’re not wrong that the numbers can look pretty solid because prices are lower than what you’d find in bigger Ohio metros. That said, smaller towns can sometimes be a mixed bag with things like tenant demand, job diversity, and long-term appreciation, so you’ll want to dig into the local economy and make sure there’s enough rental demand to support your deal. A lot of folks who look at smaller Ohio towns eventually end up exploring Columbus as well, since it’s one of the few larger metros where you can still find properties in the $120–180K range that hit the 1% rule, cash flow from day one, and also have strong long-term upside. The macroeconomics here are on fire with population and job growth, plus major employers moving in like Intel, Amazon, Google, Honda, Facebook, Microsoft, LG, and more. That combination of affordability, positive cash flow, and appreciation potential is why Columbus has become a hotspot for both local and out-of-state investors. Happy to connect and answer any questions you have! 

Hey Craig, great questions—you’re already thinking like an experienced investor by digging into the details like sewer lines, lead paint, plaster, and flooring. For the lead issue, you’re right that if the plaster is intact you can usually encapsulate with special paint and call it good, but once you get into peeling/cracking plaster it’s a different story. Drywalling over plaster is a pretty common and cost-effective solution here in Ohio, just like you mentioned—you’ll have to adjust electrical boxes but it saves a ton compared to a full gut. A full demo down to the studs is usually reserved for major rehabs, and while it gives you a chance to update everything (electrical, insulation, etc.), it’s the most expensive option and probably not necessary unless the property is in rough shape. For flooring, most of the old hardwood in Columbus or Cleveland can be sanded and refinished and comes out looking beautiful, but if it’s beyond saving, a lot of investors just throw down LVP (luxury vinyl plank). It’s super durable, looks great, and tenants love it, plus it keeps costs in check compared to new hardwood. On the market side, since you mentioned Columbus, that’s where I’d really suggest taking a closer look. I moved from Portland to Columbus back in 2020 and now own 10+ rentals here, and what’s great is the fundamentals are on fire—population growth, job growth, and billions in corporate investment from Intel, Amazon, Google, Honda, Microsoft, LG, and more. Despite being a growing metro, you can still find multifamily and single family deals that hit the 1% rule and cash flow, and there’s a ton of appreciation potential. Out-of-state investors are building portfolios here because the price points are still in the $120K–180K range for solid rentals and it’s a landlord-friendly state. Happy to connect and answer any questions you have!

Hey Craig! Totally hear you on the Buffet quote, and it’s a smart way to think about real estate cycles too. Ohio has definitely been getting a lot more attention the past few years, especially Columbus, and I think that’s why you’re seeing so many agents reaching out. From my experience, it doesn’t feel oversaturated in the sense that deals are gone—it’s more that investors are waking up to the fundamentals here. Columbus especially has some of the strongest macroeconomics in the Midwest: rapid population growth, strong job growth, and huge corporate investments (Intel’s $26B chip plant, Amazon, Google, Honda, Facebook, Microsoft, LG, Nationwide, Anduril, etc.). What makes it stand out is you can still find affordable properties in the $120K–180K range that actually hit the 1% rule and cash flow, which is almost impossible in a lot of other metros right now. Plus it’s very landlord friendly, so you’re not stuck in year-long eviction battles. I moved from Portland to Columbus in 2020 to start investing and I’ve built up 10+ rentals since then, and honestly the opportunity here is still strong for both cash flow and appreciation. I wouldn’t call it overheated, just more competitive than it used to be—but the fundamentals still make it worth a serious look. Happy to connect and answer any questions you have!

In this detailed real estate investment case study, I break down exactly how my client is making $40,000 net profit from a single house flip in Columbus, Ohio's desirable Westgate neighborhood. This is a step-by-step analysis that shows you everything you need to know about successful house flipping.

🔥 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:

✅ How to analyze house flip deals like a pro

✅ Property renovation scope and cost estimation ($35K renovation breakdown)

✅ ARV (After Repair Value) calculation using real comps

✅ Complete financial breakdown including hidden costs

✅ Holding costs, hard money loans, and sale expenses

✅ How to negotiate $20K off asking price

✅ What to look for in flip-worthy neighborhoods

📊 THE NUMBERS:

✅ Purchase Price: $195,000 (negotiated from $215K)

✅ Renovation Budget: $35,000

✅ Total Investment: $230,000

✅ ARV (After Repair Value): $300,000

✅ Net Profit: $40,000

🏘️ PROPERTY DETAILS:

✅ Address: 43 Letchworth Avenue, Columbus OH 43204

✅ Size: 1,525 sq ft, 3 bed/2 bath single family home

✅ Neighborhood: Westgate Park (highly desirable area)

✅ Timeline: 2-3 month flip project

🔧 RENOVATION SCOPE:

✅ New flooring throughout most of the house

✅ Complete interior paint

✅ Kitchen updates: cabinet refresh, granite/quartz countertops, stainless appliances

✅ Bathroom renovations (first floor replacement, second floor updates)

✅ Roof repairs

✅ Remove dated wallpaper and carpet

💰 COST BREAKDOWN INCLUDES:

✅ Holding costs (hard money loan payments, insurance, utilities)

✅ Realtor commissions (6%)

✅ Closing costs

✅ Staging and deep cleaning

✅ All hidden expenses most beginners miss!

This Columbus Ohio house flip analysis shows you the REAL numbers - not just the fantasy math most people use. Perfect for beginner real estate investors, experienced flippers, and anyone interested in Columbus real estate investment opportunities.

💰 If you're looking for your next flip, buy and hold, or rental property in Columbus, Ohio, I'd love to help you analyze deals and find profitable investments.

Related Tags -

- BRRRR

- Buy and hold

- Flip

- Short Term Rental

- Mid Term Rental

- STR / MTR

- Out of state investing

- OOS investing

• Real Estate Education
• Real Estate Consulting
• Property Analysis
• Buyer Agent & Brokerage Representation
• Seller Agent & Brokerage Representation

- FSBO Property Sales & Marketing

• Property Management
• General Contracting
• New Construction
• Investor Financing
• Lender Financing
• Seller Financing
• Title Work
• Property Insurance
• Section 8 Consulting

Hit me up to talk or network about investing in the following markets!

• Cleveland, Ohio
• Columbus, Ohio
• Akron, Ohio
• Canton, Ohio
• Cincinnati, Ohio
• Dayton, Ohio