All Forum Posts by: Min Zhang

Quote from @Yoffi Storch:

Hello everyone,

I've been spending a lot of time on Biggerpockets and listening to as many real estate podcasts as possible everyday. 

 I'm an 18-year-old aspiring real estate investor, I've been working for a little over a year now at a real estate office learning everything I can from the people around me.

 I'm currently looking for my first house hack, and because of my age, I am open to move to whichever state has the best landlord friendly laws and highest cash flow/appreciation.

My criteria is triplex/quadplex and up to $700k 

What markets can you guys recommend. Any feedback or advice is greatly appreciated.  

Thank you in advance for your help!

Hey Yoffi!

How are you doing so far? Welcome to Bigger Pockets~

Have you already decided what's the best market? In Ohio, you have Columbus, Cleveland, Dayton, and Cincy to choose from. Personally, I find Columbus appealing because of its ongoing development and the presence of affordable housing options in its surrounding suburbs. These areas offer favorable rental rates and are experiencing positive population growth, which makes them attractive to potential investors or residents. 

Is this something you are considering? if yes, hit me up, and let's schedule a call. :) Message me anytime. I am willing to help you out! 

Quote from @Sam Meade:

Hi All, 
long-time lurker on Bigger pockets, but a first-time poster. 
I am beginning my real estate investment journey and know that I want to invest in a property out of state (I currently live in Seattle, WA). I would like to find a property in the 200k or less range to start. I am thinking of a single-family or small duplex. I am hoping for a CoC of around 10-12%.
I am open to most markets in the US but starting to feel overwhelmed by the multitude of options. I am having trouble narrowing my search down to one market. 
I am curious how you out-of-state investors narrow down your search criteria?  Addtionally, what markets would you recommend to someone like myself? 

Thanks in advance for your advice

 Hey Sam! Welcome to Bigger Pockets!



I focus my investments in the Columbus area and have a network of property managers, general contractors, lenders etc. that I highly recommend. I usually consider investing with a bare minimum of 1% rule. This is what I usually look for in grade properties.

This means that the security deposit cannot exceed 1% of the total rent for the rental period. For example, if the monthly rent is $1,000, the maximum security deposit that can be charged for a one-year lease is $1,500 (or 1.5 times the monthly rent)

If this is something you are looking for or you want to discuss with, please feel free to reach out to me! I can help you out! :)

Hey Tony!

There's actually no fixed templates for this, you can do what works best for you. If you need idea on what to say you can actually try to find examples online and watch videos about it. but just keep in mind that you always need to find out how to contact them especially when you are dealing with a duplex. 

Quote from @Rodney Glover:

Anyone investing in Cleveland Ohio market ? What are you finding there? 

Hey Rodney, Are you still looking to invest in Cleveland, Ohio?

Let me know, so that I could help you with this. just send me a message!

Quote from @John Liberati:

Any one familiar with the cleveland market. I'm looking to buy properties in this market. If you know any information, like a,b,c,d areas and where there are. What the market caps are in this area and if theres any location that has a path of progress?

Hey John I hope everything is well!

Cleveland is known for its promising financial opportunities, The Cleveland market is known for its potential cash flow prospects attracting investors who seeks rental income. Cleveland has seen also some growth in property values and development in the recent years. 

But I suggest that Columbus is also an ideal choice. Along with continuing to offer 1% deals, Columbus is a growing city that is also attracting to several prominent companies, leading to a wealth of job opportunities. 
Personally, I focus my investment endeavors in the Columbus area, and I have a reliable network of property managers, general contractors, lenders, and more, whom I highly recommend.

Let me know if you would like to know more about this so we can discuss over. :) send me a DM anytime. 

Quote from @Wilexis Ventura-Matos:

Hey guys, I’m 23 with my own business. Saved enough $ and now turning to RE for my path to financial freedom. I keep getting recommended to house hack but I just don’t know what that is exactly can you guys help explain it to me, thank you.

Hey Wilexis,

House hacks are a great way to get into real estate with minimal down and reduce your living expenses while having a tenant pay down the mortgage. Once you get a house hack then look at investing in other states with large population growth and job opportunities. 

If you still have questions, feel free to reach out! :) 

Quote from @Brandon Morgan:

Any advice on buying out of state. I am a new investor but our family was thinking of buying our parents a house in Florida for retirement. the thing is we don't live there at all and its tricky since its out of state, however we already have an idea of the area in Florida we are looking to buy.

what would be the starting process to getting a home out of state? do I have to find an agent out there? I already have my pre-approval ready. 

Hey Brandon! Welcome to Bigger Pockets! 

If you are looking to buy out of state, I strongly suggest you consider investing in Columbus, Ohio. "why?" Because it boasts an affordable market on the east coast, featuring a thriving economy and housing sector. Investing in this city with at least a 1% rule could be advantageous, as it offers relatively lower home prices compared to other cities. There are actually 500 companies in relative to other markets.

If you are interested to know more about this, just DM me anytime I am happy to help you start! :) 

Quote from @Avery Dillman:

Quote from @Min Zhang:

Quote from @Avery Dillman:

Hello! I have always been very interested in investing in rental properties. Ever since I was little. I've had numerous family members who became very successful in it and I would like to follow. (All of which are sadly gone now). But I have read many books and watched tons of videos but I guess I find myself lost on where to start. I've been working a min wage job for last 5 years and have nothing to really show for it. I just seem to get discouraged by the big prices of houses here in Florida. Even the run down places. Any suggestions would be greatly suggested. Or even book recommendations or courses as well! Thank you!

Hey Avery, welcome to Bigger Pockets! 

I would highly recommend that you consider investing in Columbus, Ohio because it has affordable market in the east coast with thriving economy and home. I would actually consider investing with bare minimum of 1% rule and has a relatively low home prices compared to other states in the US which makes it an attractive destination for investors who gets a good return on their investment. Columbus, Ohio also offers attractive tax incentives and a strong rental market.

If you have questions about this I am always happy to help. 

Since I'm based in Florida what would be the best way to start investing in Ohio? 

Hi Avery, each market varies by price and rent. I personally think Columbus is best because it's a healthy market with a strong appreciation and growth. Average SFH is price at $150k and MFH price at $200k+. You can often 1% here from time to time. However, if you have a lower budget then I would explore into other markets like Dayton or Cleveland.

Let me know how I can help! 

Investment Info:

Single-family residence wholesale investment.

Location: 
703 Franklin Avenue, Columbus, OH 43205

4 bedrooms

1 full bathroom

Year Built1900

Purchase price: $150,000

Purchase Price - $150,000
Rehab - $100-$130k
ARV - $340ks

Quote from @JaMaal Gassett:

I am brand new to real estate investing. After listening to some podcasts, I have decided to house hack and purchase a multi-family as a first-time home buyer. I lucked out and can participate in a 0% down mortgage up to $850k. I am a traveling healthcare worker, so I can live in anywhere in the country.

I have seen some multis in FL, but they all are so expensive for a turn key property. 

What advice would you give for someone starting out? Which markets do you think I would get the best deal? My plan is to live in one unit for the minimum amount of time (1 yr I believe) then keep acquiring properties.

Hey JaMaal, its good to hear that you are starting out! Welcome to bigger pockets! ;) 

I would actually suggest you try to consider the markets in Columbus Ohio as an investment opportunity due to its affordable market on the East Coast and with its thriving economy. There are also a lot of attractive destinations for investors as it offers relatively low home prices compared to other states in the US.
Did you know that Ohio has a 1% rule this is actually a common benchmark for rental investments. Additionally Columbus provides attractive tax incentives who gets a good return on their investment.

If you want to know more about this, you can actually message me anytime. I would be happy to help you start :)