💡 Smart Investing in Cleveland

Why Now’s the Time to Buy and Flip

June 04, 2025

Good morning, Cleveland Real Estate Investors! Why did the real estate agent bring a ladder to the open house?

Because they heard the market was rising! 🪜📈

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📬 In today’s edition:

  • Buy-and-Hold & Flip Investors Thrive

  • $1.8M Lakefront Retreat

  • Financing for Cleveland Investors

By Tyler Finkler - Local Realtor & Appraiser

📰 Cleveland Market Minute

Cleveland renters need this much income to afford typical home

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The rising cost of living has significantly impacted rental affordability in Cleveland and across the country, according to a new report from Zillow.

Using April 2025 rent data, Zillow determined that in Cleveland, renters will need an annual income of $54,734 to afford a typical home.

Glenville Job-Ready Site more than doubles in size

Too much is never enough. When you’re marketing land to new end-users, you can’t have enough clean, developable land in the urban core.

And one of the largest, if not the largest in the city of Cleveland has just been assembled by the Cuyahoga Land Bank. The site is located at 12610 Kirby Ave. in Cleveland’s Glenville neighborhood, bordering on Collinwood.

🔗 Read More

See Cuyahoga County home sales, other property transfer details for April (searchable database)

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The cleveland.com database of home sales and other property transfer details has been updated with transactions for April 2025.

Search the home sales database at this link for all transfers since 2019. The database is searchable by seller name, buyer name, city, street and more.

  • 💰 Sale Price: $238,000 (Sold June 2, 2025)

  • 📏 Size: 4 beds | 🛁 2.5 baths

  • 🏡 Lot Size: 6,534 sq ft

  • 🛠️ Year Built: 1952

  • 🚗 Garage: 2-car detached garage

  • Buyer Agent: Chris Case (Keller Williams Greater Metropolitan Realty)

  • Seller Agent: Paula Zampallo Ramirez (EXP Realty, LLC)

📝 Investor Takeaway:

This 1952 colonial in the Union–Miles neighborhood sold for $238K, reflecting solid buyer demand in the area. The home offers 4 spacious bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and a partially finished basement.

With a spacious backyard and strong potential for cosmetic upgrades, this property is perfect for investors looking to turn a profit or homeowners seeking long-term value.

🏡 Neighborhood Insight

Local Median Price: ~$160,000

Recent Sales Trend: Gradual rise in value with increasing interest in affordable homes

Average Days on Market: ~35–45 days

Notable Feature: The neighborhood benefits from proximity to major employers, including the Cleveland Clinic, making it appealing to renters and buyers alike.

This sale sets a strong precedent showcasing the area's continued appeal for both long-term investors and first-time homebuyers seeking value.

💡 Insider’s Insight

Cleveland Real Estate – A Quiet Goldmine for Buy-and-Hold & Flip Investors in 2025

As the national housing market evolves, Cleveland is emerging as a rare opportunity for investors looking to cash in on both buy-and-hold properties and flip opportunities.

Unlike major cities with shrinking margins and compressed cap rates, Cleveland offers a blend of cash flow, appreciation potential, and tenant stability, making it a top contender for those seeking smart investment moves.

🏠 Buy-and-Hold: Cleveland’s Underrated Cash Flow Market

Cleveland consistently ranks among the top cities for rental yield, with investors securing properties for under $150K and renting them out for $1,200 to $1,800/month. Here’s why Cleveland is a buy-and-hold investor’s dream:

  • Favorable rent-to-price ratios: High rental yields with low capital outlay

  • Tenant stability: Strong demand for affordable, updated rentals

  • Landlord-friendly environment: Local eviction timelines favor investors

  • Low taxes & insurance: Ongoing costs remain investor-friendly compared to coastal metros

Neighborhoods to Watch:

  • Old Brooklyn – Ideal for families and long-term tenants

  • Detroit-Shoreway – Urban revival near downtown, strong appreciation

  • Glenville & Fairfax – Strong institutional investment, proximity to Cleveland Clinic

💰 Looking to Invest Smarter in Cleveland Real Estate?

Tyler Finkler is your local expert in Cleveland real estate, helping investors like you find the best opportunities for buy-and-hold and flip properties. With years of experience and in-depth market knowledge, Tyler knows where the ROI is highest — and how to maximize your returns.

Whether you're new to the market or a seasoned pro, his insights, tailored strategies, and local connections will set you up for success. Don't navigate the Cleveland market alone — contact Tyler today to discuss your next move.


📲 Tyler Finkler, Appraiser & Realtor
🔗 www.FinklerRealEstateServices.com
📞 216-217-0223
✉️ [email protected]

🔁 Flip-Friendly Areas with Strong ROI Potential

Flipping homes remains a profitable strategy in Cleveland, especially when targeting the right neighborhoods. Here are the best flip zones:

  • Parma – Affordable entry-level homes with good resale demand

  • Lakewood – High demand for stylish, updated homes

  • Euclid – Price point perfect for FHA/VA buyers

Quick Flip Tips:

Focus on 3-bed, 1.5-bath homes under $250K

Prioritize value-add renovations (kitchen, bath, flooring, mechanicals)

Use local contractors familiar with Cleveland’s permitting process

Several trends are converging to make Cleveland an even stronger investment market:

  • Institutional growth: Expanding Cleveland Clinic & rising tech start-ups drive housing demand

  • Remote work migration: More buyers from Chicago, NYC, and Columbus are flocking to Cleveland for its affordability and lifestyle

  • Zoning changes: Relaxed restrictions on duplexes and ADUs open up more long-term income opportunities

💬 Lender’s Corner: Real Strategy from the Local Frontline

Local mortgage strategies are crucial for success in Cleveland’s real estate market. National banks often miss the nuances of Cleveland’s housing market, so local financing options like DSCR loans, bank statement programs, and rehab loans are critical when scaling your rental or flipping business.

Want to explore a scenario or financing strategy? Reach out today! Whether you're flipping or holding, working with a local lender will help you maximize your returns.

📞 Ready to take action? Let’s talk local!

For tailored insights or to discuss financing for your next Cleveland investment, reach out to:

  • Managing Partner

  • NMLS 728205

  • Phone: 234-380-1703

  • Cell: 440-533-5901

Your dream home is just one smart investment away! Let’s make it happen in 2025.

🏡 House of the Week – Iconic Lakefront Retreat in Avon Lake

32180 Lake Road, Avon Lake, OH 44122

  • 💰 Price: $1,799,000

  • 📏 Size: 3,600 sq. ft.

  • 🏡 Built: 1903

  • 🛏 4 Beds | 🛁 3.5 Baths

  • 🚗 Garage: 2-Car Detached Garage

  • 🌳 Lot Size: 1.38 Acres

  • 🏫 School District: Avon Lake City School District

  • 🧘 Vibes: Timeless charm meets lakefront luxury with a fully restored century home offering serene lake views, an in-ground pool, and stunning outdoor spaces perfect for relaxation and entertaining.

👉 Listed by: Kim Crane | The Kim Crane Real Estate Group – Howard Hanna

📞 330-283-0873 | ✉️ [email protected]

🛠 Tools & Resources We Recommend

  • PropStream → Lead generation + property comps

  • AirDNA → Short-term rental profitability data

  • BiggerPockets Cap Rate Guide → Know how to calculate investment ROI

  • Cleveland Housing Court Tracker → Spot eviction risks and distressed deals

  • Cleveland Real Estate Investor Facebook Group → Share deals and insights with local investors

📣 Weekly Wrap-Up

Cleveland’s real estate market is proving to be a goldmine for both buy-and-hold and flip investors. With rental yields still strong, properties under $150K are offering investors excellent returns, especially with Cleveland’s affordable pricing and tenant stability. Plus, a landlord-friendly environment means eviction timelines are more favorable than many coastal metros.

For those flipping, key neighborhoods like Lakewood and Parma continue to deliver great resale potential, while institutional growth around Cleveland Clinic and remote worker migration from larger cities are fueling demand.

In a balanced market, Cleveland remains a rare opportunity where strategy wins over timing.

Until next week,,
Cleveland Real Estate Investors


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