All Forum Posts by: Marc Rice

@Jack Morey

I’d recommend find a local agent who also owns rentals there to get a good footing. There are many bad spots but definitely some up and coming areas as well. West side has seen the most growth.

@Nik L.

I also agree that the Midwest offers great rental options. In particular I’ve seen a ton of growth in Columbus and would recommend to look here also before you decide.

You'll probably be best buying turnkey or very light rehabs in affordable markets to scale up your portfolio. The Midwest is great for that with Columbus, OH being a great appreciation/cash flow market to look into.

@Logan Taylor

If your parents would co-sign on a loan with you then buy a large single family and rent the bedrooms to your college friends. You can buy one as low as 5% down with a non owner occupied co-signer.

@Nick Gerli

It’s a combination of purchase prices, rents, and crime levels. Mostly purchase prices.

@Christopher Owens

Look at price to rent ratios across the US. The state of Ohio (and all the Midwest) has great numbers and cash flowing properties.

@Cameron Calvert

Could you plant trees instead of a fence? Could you somehow divert the views of the house by building a deck on the opposite side of the house away from the neighbors? You want to create the diversion from the neighbors to the Mountain Views. There’s a lot of doomsday comments on this, I believe there’s always a solution.

I’d just tell the neighbors it’s going to be a rental and leave it at that, they may not understand the nuances of a short term rental.

@Daniel Goldfinger

You could house hack a multi unit in Cleveland but Airbnb the unit you’re supposed to occupy. I’m not sure the nuances of that but I know many people airbnb their personal residences when they travel so see it as a viable option. Overall I prefer Columbus to Cleveland. Lots more growth and stability in Columbus.

@Justin Pumpr

Your first deal won’t be perfect but it’ll teach you a lot. You could always put a little less work into it and get a little less rent if you think you’ll be tight on cash.

@Aemon Gariety

You can make it work being a landlord in any state but some have less barriers to entry. That’s why I love Columbus, Ohio where you can find homes starting at $50k (in C neighborhoods) that cash flow strong. Wherever you invest it’s important to build your local team of agents, property managers, contractors, and lenders.