All Forum Posts by: Kerlous Tadres

Hey @Melina Robinson, both markets have potential, but I’d personally recommend Columbus. I’ve invested in several duplexes here, and neighborhoods like Clintonville and Olde Towne East have strong rent-to-price ratios and solid appreciation potential. Clintonville, in particular, benefits from its proximity to Ohio State, while Olde Towne East is seeing revitalization. Columbus also has major employers like Ohio State and Nationwide, keeping the job market strong and supporting rental demand. While turnover can be a concern, good tenant screening helps. For steady growth and long-term stability, Columbus is a great bet.

I'd ask if they work with investors, know cash flow or BRRRR strategies, can run comps quickly, and what areas they see strong investor activity or growth. Be upfront about your goals, buy & hold, flip, or STR-so you're on the same page. The right agent should understand numbers, zoning, and which neighborhoods make sense for investing, and not just open doors.

Quote from @Billy Jalali:

Hi, I’m new to self managing and have serval properties in the Columbus Ohio region. I’m mostly looking for an investor friendly handyman. Also an electrian and plumber for more major projects would be nice. Thanks in advance for all input 

Hey Billy, I have some contacts that I can send over to you! 

Hey @Lucas Collins, finding the right tenant can be tough. Make sure to list your place on sites like Zillow, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace. Sometimes offering a small incentive, like a rent discount for the first month, can help get things moving. If you're managing the property yourself, that's a great way to learn. But if it feels like too much, you can always look into hiring a local property manager later. For mentorship, check out local REI meetups or groups on BiggerPockets. Connecting with others in the area can be super helpful as you grow.

Hey @Alvin Smithto determine your bid, check out the After Repair Value by looking at similar homes sold nearby, and estimate any repair costs, even if the house looks decent. Make sure the $6,700 in back taxes is the only financial hurdle; double-check for any additional liens or issues. With the housing shortage in the area, you're in a good spot for rental demand, so research local rents to ensure positive cash flow. Set your bid based on the ARV, repair costs, and what kind of return you're aiming for, but don't hesitate to walk away if it doesn't make sense financially.

Quote from @Alvin Smith:

I found a house in Sheriff sale in Franklin County on August 15th. It seems like a real diamond in the rough. I don't even think that rough, just a sleeper. There is only like 6700 in back taxes owed. The best I can tell - they a not auctioning a tax certificate, they are auctioning the house, and if I read right, its zero minimum bid.

So I drove by. I thought it would be an awful neighborhood. I was shocked. Clean. Looks like mostly seniors, looks like owner occupied area, pride of ownership in the neighborhood, etc. If you don't know about Columbus, ohio, there is a massive shortage on the lower end of the housing market in both houses for sale and for rent.

Surprise number 2. The home looks decent. I thought it would be boarded up or something. Just the opposite. Mowed lawn, etc. Flowers, etc. Its 2 minutes from I-670, maybe 5 minutes from the airport, and 10 minutes from Easton - the hottest shopping mall and entertainment center in Ohio.

This will be my first attempt at purchasing an investment property. My question is - how do I know how much I should bid. Any help, I would so appreciate your thoughts.

Hey Alvin, welcome to BP! That's awesome that you're trying to purchase your first auction deal. I think you should treat this as you're putting an offer on any other property, know your number's and stick to them! Just because someone else can go more, doesn't mean you should

Hey Laurie! When underwriting a 12-unit in Ohio, focus on cash flow, rent comps, and local market conditions. Compare current rents to the area's average. If they’re below market, you may have some easy upside with updates or better management. Don’t forget to factor in expenses like property management, repairs, and insurance. Ohio markets like Columbus and Cleveland usually have good rental demand, but make sure to check vacancy rates and the local economy.

Hey Andrew, Columbus is a great spot! If you’re looking at buy-and-hold, Clintonville and Worthington are solid choices; they’re close to OSU and have good long-term growth. Hilliard and Northwest Columbus offer steady cash flow with a more suburban vibe, but I'd also suggest checking out Grandview Heights and Short North. They’re up-and-coming and could give you some good appreciation. For cash flow, you can expect $200-$500 per unit, depending on the property. As an out-of-state investor, make sure you have a reliable property manager who knows the local market. It’ll save you a lot of stress in the long run.

Best of luck, and let me know if you need any more tips!

Hey Mike! To find a good market for buy & hold, focus on a few key factors. Look for areas with affordable property prices and strong rental demand, ensuring you can generate positive cash flow. Target markets with job growth and population increases, as these areas tend to have better long-term rental demand. Look for properties with value-add potential, where you can renovate and increase rents to boost your return on investment. High-demand areas like those near schools, hospitals, or transportation hubs help reduce vacancy risk. Finally, keep an eye on property taxes, utilities, and other expenses; high costs can quickly eat into your profits. Do some research on local rental listings, talk to property managers, and assess long-term growth potential before committing.

Hey Melissa! MTRs can be a great choice in Columbus, especially with demand from airline crews and traveling professionals. From my experience, they offer solid cash flow without the constant turnover of short-term rentals, but they still require some active management. The numbers often work out better than traditional long-term rentals because you can charge higher rent for the flexibility of a furnished, mid-term lease.
Biggest surprise? You’ll still need to stay on top of maintenance between tenants, and vacancy can be an issue if the area isn’t in high demand. For a first-timer, I’d say it’s a good balance between cash flow and management effort, but make sure your property is in a desirable location. If the area is solid (like near the airport or downtown), it should work well.