Market Deep-Dive · Ohio

Akron & Canton —
Highest Cap Rates in Our Portfolio.

16.9% cap rate. $141,000 purchase price. Renovated and tenant-ready. That is the Balsam in Akron — and it represents what Ohio offers investors who understand the price-to-rent ratio math. Lowest entry point in the EOR portfolio. Honest about the trade-offs too.

Ohio Market Snapshot
EOR Price Range$141K–$159K
Cap Rate Range6.4–16.9%
Net Cash Flow$29–$118/mo
Min. Down Payment~$35,250
Property TypeRenovated
MarketsAkron · Canton
The Honest Picture

Ohio Is a High Cap Rate Market.
Here’s the Full Story — Upside and Trade-Offs.

We believe in showing the complete picture. Ohio’s numbers are real and compelling — and they come with characteristics that are different from our new construction markets. Both sides matter.

✅ The Genuine Upside
  • 💰 Lowest entry point in EOR portfolio — from $35,250 down
  • 📊 Highest gross cap rates — up to 16.9% on the right property
  • 🏥 Stable employment base — Goodyear, Summa Health, Akron Children’s Hospital, University of Akron
  • ⚖️ Landlord-friendly Ohio law — efficient eviction, no rent control
  • 🔄 Strong price-to-rent ratio — rental income relative to purchase price is exceptional
  • 🗺️ Geographic diversification from Sun Belt markets
⚠️ The Trade-Offs to Understand
  • 🔨 Older properties (1907–1919) — renovated but not new construction
  • 🔧 Higher maintenance risk than new construction — older mechanicals
  • 📈 Lower appreciation expectations than Sun Belt growth markets
  • 💵 Net cash flow is modest despite high cap rate (financing costs compress it)
  • 🌡️ Cold climate — heating costs and weather-related maintenance are real
  • 📊 Cap rate is gross/unleveraged — leveraged returns look different
Who Ohio is right for: First-time investors who want to enter the market at the lowest possible capital requirement. Investors who want geographic diversification from Sun Belt. Investors who plan to hold long-term and want high price-to-rent ratio. Who Ohio is not right for: Investors expecting significant appreciation. Investors who need maximum monthly cash flow. Investors who are uncomfortable with older property maintenance risk.
Current Inventory

Active Ohio Properties
with Real Numbers.

Three properties currently available in Akron and Canton. Full pro formas available via the links on the properties page.

PropertyLocationPriceRentNet CFCap RateDown Payment
BalsamAkron, OH$141,000$1,160$29/mo16.9%~$35,250
FlaxAkron, OH$159,000$1,225$58/mo6.4%~$39,750
AmaryllisCanton, OH$142,000$950$118/mo7.0%~$35,500
Understanding the Numbers

Why a 16.9% Cap Rate Produces
$29/Month — Explained Honestly.

The cap rate is real. The cash flow is real. Here is why they are both true at the same time — and what it means for your investment.

Line ItemMonthlyNotes
Monthly Gross Rent$1,160Balsam · Akron OH · 4BR/1BA
Mortgage (P&I)−$703$105,750 loan · 7% · 30yr fixed
Property Taxes−$1531.3% Akron rate — higher than South
Insurance−$80Standard landlord policy
Property Management (10%)−$116Standard Ohio rate
Vacancy Reserve (5%)−$58Stable workforce rental market
Maintenance Reserve (5%)−$58Important on older properties
Misc / Other−$12Buffer
Net Monthly Cash Flow$29/moModest — but the cap rate is 16.9%

The 16.9% cap rate is calculated on an unleveraged basis — it measures gross yield against purchase price without a mortgage. Once you add leverage (a mortgage), financing costs compress the net cash flow. Investors buying Ohio with significant cash down capture much more of the yield directly.

Employment Base

What Sustains Rental Demand
in Akron & Canton.

Ohio’s rental market is driven by a diversified industrial, healthcare, and education employment base — not dependent on any single sector.

🏥
Healthcare — The Anchor Employer
Summa Health, Akron Children’s Hospital, Cleveland Clinic (nearby), and Aultman Health in Canton collectively employ tens of thousands of healthcare workers. Healthcare is countercyclical — this employment base holds up through recessions and is the backbone of tenant quality in both markets.
🎓
University of Akron
Nearly 20,000 students plus faculty and staff create consistent workforce housing demand. University employment is stable and long-term. Graduate students, medical residents, and faculty are particularly strong tenants — stable income, longer tenancies.
🏭
Manufacturing & Industrial
Goodyear Tire & Rubber — founded in Akron — is still headquartered here along with a significant manufacturing supply chain. The industrial base in Summit and Stark counties provides stable working-class rental demand that has been present for decades.
⚖️
Ohio Landlord Law
Ohio has efficient eviction processes, no rent control, and well-established landlord law. Property management in Akron and Canton is experienced and professional — this market has been investor-friendly for years. Tenant screening standards are high.

How EOR Works in This Market — Important

Equity on Repeat is a real estate marketplace and advisory firm. Ohio properties in our portfolio are renovated by independent contractors and sold through independent sellers. We source, vet, and present these properties — we do not perform the renovation and are not the seller of record in all cases.

After closing, your ongoing relationship is directly with your property management company. They handle all day-to-day operations. EOR introduced them — the management relationship is between you and them.

Ohio’s older property stock carries genuine maintenance risk that we disclose explicitly. The maintenance reserve in our pro formas is not theoretical — it will likely be used. Budget accordingly and ensure you have adequate reserves beyond the down payment. Actual results will vary. Always obtain an independent inspection and conduct your own due diligence. Not legal, tax, or investment advice. Read full disclaimer →

Ready to Invest in Ohio?

See Current Ohio
Properties & Numbers.

Full pro formas on Balsam, Flax, and Amaryllis — with complete expense breakdowns and direct links to analyze numbers in our ROI calculator.

Browse Ohio PropertiesBook Free Strategy Call

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