All Forum Posts by: Kerlous Tadres

Hi Everyone,

As a first time out-of-state investor, I plan to do out-of-state investing in Columbus, Ohio. I found that normal duplexes or SFHs in C area do have cash flow, but the numbers didn't seem worth investing. For example, a duplex (in 1920s) ~ 240k, $2600 total rents with 20k rehab and 5% vacancy, 8% management and 12% maintenance, 1.37% property tax, $960 insurance, 25% downpayment and 7.25% interest rate. The overall cash on cash return is only 5.73% (with principal is 7.84%). It's way below the average return of qqq (12.5%). I want to know in this case if it is still worth investing in Columbus Ohio or if there is anything wrong in my calculation/expectation. I found that the return will be more than 12.5% when the interest rate <5%. Perhaps I should wait till the interests go down? Please share your thoughts and experience and what are the right investments to look at Columbus Ohio. Thanks a lot!

Hello BP community - any one lately come across new construction properties for investors in Columbus OH, most of these builders in Columbus refrain from selling it to investors and only entertain first time home buyers or if you plan to make it as primary home to live in. (Rockford, MI, Pulte, Ryan homes) - any one know of builders who are investor friendly in Columbus?

sachin

Hi everyone, 

Excited to learn from this community. I am a corporate tech business professional based in CA, SF Bay Area. I have my real estate license, and I am looking to diversify in out-of-state real estate investments as a flip or med/ long term rental, single family. Would consider short term based on market. 

What I’m seeking:

• Connection with experienced investors in CA who are successfully managing out-of-state properties

• Insights on your investment strategy, market selection criteria, and property management approach

• Potentially shadowing opportunities to learn your process firsthand

What I can partner and offer in return to start:

• Support in Sales prospecting approach- identify ways to refine the approach to finding off-market properties or finding relationships with agents in target markets

• Data-driven decision frameworks – My experience implementing metrics-based systems could help optimize property analysis or portfolio performance tracking

• Marketing communications skills – Whether it’s creating compelling rental listings or communicating effectively with potential sellers, I can share strategies

• Customer success principles – These can directly translate to tenant relations and retention strategies that maximize occupancy and minimize turnover

I'm approaching this with humility as a newcomer to REI but bringing the discipline, data-driven hunting mindset that has served me well professionally. I'm NOT interested in get- rich- quick schemes or quick shortcuts, so pls do not reach out if that is the case. I am interested in building relationships with successful investors who might be open to sharing their experience and wisdom.

If you're open to connecting or can recommend someone who might be, please reach out. I'm also interested in any local REI meetups or groups that would be worthwhile. Thx and looking forward.

I am looking for a firm to start a relationship with in my real estate journey.  I recently purchased my first property in Knox County and want to engage to start with structuring a lease with a few custom items I have picked up from some of you all and books from which I have educated myself.  I am simply looking for some suggestions.  Thanks.

Hello,

New to the community and also a new investor. I've landed with wanting to try a BRRRR strategy on a house in my local market. I live in the Midwest, Illinois to be exact.

The house would be bought and rehabbed with cash. The house is in good shape at face value but is old. It is a 1300sq/ft 3 bed 1 bath with plenty of room to add a second bathroom.

I guess my question here is how to estimate a decent rehab budget. My plans are to add a second bathroom (sellers have already started this project). Maybe update HVAC system, the house doesn't have central air. Update the kitchen and windows. I'm hoping to keep it around 30K. Is this attainable? Is it wishful thinking?

Ideal purchase price: 65K

Ideal rehab cost: 30K

Ideal ARV: 160K

Thanks in advance for any advice/ input. 

-Harrison

Good Afternoon BP!

What would be some markets you would suggest getting into, starting out? Looking for SFH to start and build a portfolio from there. We currently live in Maine, and the Market here is not great, not a lot of opportunities for what we are looking for. Currently looking for turnkey properties where we can learn without the hassle and worry of rehabbing out of state.

Thank you in advance for any and all advice!

Cities where buying is better than renting

Out of the 343 cities analyzed, 32 locations were found to be more affordable for buyers than renters. These locations are primarily concentrated in Southern states like Alabama, Georgia, and Texas, as well as Rust Belt regions like Ohio and Michigan. Not CA, NY or IL ;-)

A 2025 Rental Affordability Report, released in February by the real estate analytics firm ATTOM, showed that both owning and renting remain a challenge for average American workers, eating up between 25 to 60% of their wages.

Just some places to look for cash flowing properties

1. (Premium/discount of buying vs. renting)
   
2. Detroit, Michigan: -60.1% 
3. Jackson, Mississippi: -59.8%
4. Cleveland, Ohio: -39.3%
5. Birmingham, Alabama: -36.3%
6. Montgomery, Alabama: -31.1%
7. Baltimore, Maryland: -23.6%
8. Memphis, Tennessee: -20.8%
9. Shreveport, Louisiana: -20.2%
10. Toledo, Ohio: -19.4%
11. Akron, Ohio: -16.9%
12. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: -16.4%
13. Columbus, Georgia: -13.2%
14. Augusta, Georgia: -13%
15. Peoria, Illinois: -12.6%
16. Beaumont, Texas: -12.5%
17. Tuscaloosa, Alabama: -12.3%
18. Hartford, Connecticut: -12.2%
19. Dayton, Ohio: -10.3%
20. St. Louis, Missouri: -10.2%
21. Brownsville, Texas: -9.1%
22. Macon-Bill County, Georgia: -8.6%
23. New Orleans, Louisiana: -7.8%
24. Mobile, Alabama: -7.5%
25. South Bend, Indiana: -7.4%
26. Waco, Texas: -7%
27. Dearborn, Michigan: -4.8%
28. Syracuse, New York: -4.7%
29. Columbia, South Carolina: -3.9%
30. Lansing, Michigan: -2.8%
31. Pompano Beach, Florida: -2.2%
32. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: -1.6%
33. Lehigh Acres, Florida: -1.2%

Hello Everyone,

My name is Camilo Lozano, I am based out of Indianapolis, IN. Excited to join this community of like minded folks!

All eyes on the Midwest as a great place to buy homes! The secret is out and we've been seeing the real estate market explode around here. We need more homes to be built to meet this demand.

Looking forward to connecting and getting more involved 

What's in Springfield OH? I keep getting offers/investment opportunities from a realtor I know in the area.

Is the juice worth the squeeze there?

I currently own rentals in Columbus, OH

Hello BP friends,

Hope you’re all doing well!

I have a quick question for the group — I'm looking to get back into BRRRR or fix & flip projects and was wondering what states you all think have good potential right now?

I’ve done a couple of fix & flips in the Atlanta area over the last few years, and recently started exploring the Florida market. I’ve been focusing on South Florida, but I’m having a hard time finding solid deals — especially anything close to the 1% rule for rentals. On top of that, finding a reliable GC has been a challenge.

Lately, I’ve been hearing that Tennessee and Ohio might be good markets for both rentals and fix & flips. I’d love to hear your thoughts — are those worth exploring even if I’m not local? My main concern is managing the project remotely and trying to find a trustworthy GC in a new area.

If anyone has experience in those markets or has recommendations on where to look next, I’d really appreciate it!

Thanks in advance!