Start Your Journey
Why Central Ohio Is a Smart Place to Invest
Central Ohio continues to attract new residents, employers, and development—fueling steady housing demand and strong rental markets. Local reports point to resilient rents, moderating vacancy, and a diversified job base supported by major employers, tech expansions, and ongoing population growth.
For investors, that translates to:
- Consistent rental demand from professionals, families, and students
- Opportunities for both cash flow and appreciation across suburbs and core urban neighborhoods
- Price points at multiple levels, from affordable starter rentals to higher-end homes in top school districts
- A tangible asset you can improve and control rather than a purely paper investment
Whether you care most about monthly cash flow, long-term equity, or a mix of both, our job is to help you match the right property and area to your strategy.
Your Central Ohio Investor Toolkit
Search Investment Properties
Browse single-family, duplex, and multi-unit listings across Central Ohio. Filter by price, area, and more to spot investor-friendly homes fast.
Search PropertiesCentral Ohio Strategy
Gain critical market knowledge and insight into growth areas to build a resilient and high-performing real estate portfolio.
View ResourcesRun the Numbers
Estimate payments, plug in projected rent, and see if the cash flow works before you write an offer.
Browse Current Investment Opportunities
Here are some of the latest Central Ohio listings that can work well as investment properties—from starter rentals to higher-end homes in top-performing areas. Use the filters to refine by price, property type, and location.
Investment Real Estate FAQs
1. How do I know if I’m financially ready to invest?
Before you buy, we’ll help you look at your savings, income, existing debt, and comfort level with risk. Most non-owner-occupied loans require at least 20% down, plus reserves for repairs, vacancies, and closing costs. The Shaffer Team can also connect you with lenders who understand investment financing.
2. What types of investment properties are available in Central Ohio?
You’ll find a wide range of options here, including:
- Single-family homes in established neighborhoods
- Duplexes and small multi-family properties near job centers and schools
- Condos and townhomes that can appeal to young professionals
- Land and potential development sites in growth corridors
We’ll help you weigh tradeoffs between cash flow, maintenance, and long-term potential.
3. What if I don’t have a large down payment?
Some investors start with “house hacking”—buying a small multi-unit property or home with extra bedrooms, living in one portion, and renting out the rest to offset the mortgage. Others partner with family, friends, or other investors to pool capital. We’ll talk through these options and see what best fits your situation.
4. What should I look for in an investment property?
We’ll focus on a few key questions:
- Will the projected rent support your payment and expenses?
- Is the property in an area with strong rental demand and job access?
- What repairs or updates are needed now vs. later?
- How do taxes, HOA dues, and utilities impact your numbers?
Our team can provide local rent ranges, recent sales, and neighborhood trends so your decisions are data-driven.
5. Is now a good time to invest in Central Ohio?
Real estate is a long-term asset, and Central Ohio’s fundamentals remain strong: growing population, diverse employers, and steady demand for rentals. Market conditions—like interest rates and inventory—do shift, but we’ll help you time your purchase, structure your offer, and choose properties that make sense in today’s environment.
6. Do I need a real estate agent if I’ve invested before?
A local agent who understands both owner-occupied and investment transactions can be invaluable. We:
- Flag potential problem properties early
- Run comps and rental estimates
- Connect you with inspectors, property managers, contractors, and lenders
- Negotiate terms that protect your interests
Even experienced investors rely on The Shaffer Team for on-the-ground insight and execution.
Hear From Our Clients
Working with Don Shaffer has been a game changer for me as an investor. He knows the market inside and out, communicates quickly, and negotiates with a level of professionalism you rarely see. Whether buying or selling, Don makes the process efficient and profitable. I couldn’t ask for a better agent.
– Tim Sargent