All Forum Posts by: Arman Ahmed

@Evan Rekowski

Hey Evan, great to see you thinking ahead while still in school, that’s exactly how long-term investors get a head start. When you’re comparing markets, focus on job growth, population trends, rent-to-price ratios, and landlord friendliness. Texas and the Carolinas have seen strong appreciation, but cash flow is getting tighter in some metros. Don’t overlook Midwest markets, lower entry prices, solid rent returns, and steady tenant demand make them great for starting out. You can always scale appreciation later once you’ve built a strong cash flow base.

@Alonzo Trujillo

Hey Alonzo, welcome to the BP community! Great to see your enthusiasm for diving back into real estate, that’s exactly the energy that helps you move fast in this business. I work with a lot of investors building portfolios in the Midwest where deals still cash flow and entry costs are reasonable, so if you’re ever curious about how out-of-state investing works or want to compare markets, happy to share what’s been working well for others just getting started.

@Janice H.

Hey Janice, good question, Roofstock can be a helpful starting point for learning about out-of-state investing, but it’s not always the best place to find the strongest deals. Many of their listings are already picked over by local investors, so prices can lean toward retail. What’s worked well for a lot of investors I know is partnering with a local agent or boots-on-the-ground team in a solid Midwest market, where you can still find good cash flow and reliable tenant demand. That way, you get real comps, an honest inspection, and eyes on the property before closing.

@Alexsis Venable

Hey Alexsis, sounds like you’ve got a solid plan and a clear goal with Section 8 rentals. While I’m not familiar with Huntsville or Birmingham personally, I focus on Midwest markets, and what I’ve seen is that the Midwest offers strong rental demand, predictable cash flow, lower entry costs, and stable tenant pools, making it ideal for out-of-state investors. The biggest pitfalls usually come from not having reliable property managers on the ground, underestimating maintenance costs, or overlooking local tenant laws, so building a trusted local team is key. Selling your home to start investing can work if you’re ready to take action and want to scale faster, but it’s important to run the numbers carefully on cash flow and reserves before committing.

@Noa Lukela

Hey Noa, that’s a really interesting period to reflect on. Back then, a lot of investors watched for signs like distressed properties staying on the market longer than usual, lenders loosening up, and local job or population growth starting to stabilize. Personally, I also looked for neighborhoods where cash flow could still work even if prices hadn’t fully recovered. Today, in the Midwest, some similar fundamentals are showing up, affordable entry prices paired with steady rental demand and motivated sellers, so it can be a good signal for investors looking for long-term growth opportunities.

@John Stampley

Hey John, sounds like you’ve got a few projects going, always a good sign in this market. I work with several investors around Cleveland and have built a solid Rolodex of reliable make-ready crews and framers who’ve done great work on rental turns and porch repairs. If you’re open to it, happy to share a few contacts that have been consistent for me

@Matt Burdett

Hey Matt, sounds like you're thinking about a smart way to get started. Using a HELOC on your primary can definitely be a solid move for your first BRRRR since it gives you flexibility and keeps you from juggling multiple lenders during rehab. Just make sure you've got enough cushion for unexpected costs and that the after-repair value supports the refinance. A lot of first-timers in the Midwest start that way to build momentum and recycle their capital faster.

@Gavin Wynn

Hey Gavin, great question, private money works a bit differently than traditional lending, it's much more relationship-based than application-based. Most private lenders are individuals or small groups looking for solid returns, usually around 8 to 12 percent, secured by real estate. You'll often find them through networking, local REI meetups, BiggerPockets, or investor connections. Just make sure everything is clearly documented with a promissory note and recorded lien to protect both sides.

@Paul Schmidt

Hey Paul, given the complexity and the tenant’s aggressive behavior, I’d recommend talking to an eviction-focused attorney. They can guide you on the best steps to proceed with the eviction and help protect your rights while minimizing legal risk and costs.

@Sophie Wall

Hey Sophie — I don’t work in Cheyenne, but I focus on Midwest markets and use similar fundamentals when evaluating long-term rentals: stable job growth, affordable entry prices relative to rents, and consistent tenant demand. These are the same metrics I rely on to find strong cash flow and predictable vacancies, which makes the Midwest a great area for out-of-state investors looking to hold properties long-term.