BRRRR Investing in Cleveland, OH

BRRRR Score: 6.7/10Ranked #2 of 52 markets

Data-driven brrrr analysis for Cleveland, OH — score breakdown, key investment metrics, and how it compares to other markets.

Last updated: May 2026

Score Breakdown

BRRRR Score:6.7
Cap Rate(30%)
9.8%7.7
Affordable Entry Price(25%)
$105,0009.3
Rent-to-Price Ratio(25%)
1.05%7.6
Population Growth(20%)
-2.1%1.0

Key Metrics for BRRRR

Median Price

$105,000

Very affordable

Cap Rate

9.8%

Strong

Rent-to-Price

1.05%

Post-refi cash flow indicator

Pop. Growth

-2.1%

5-year trend

BRRRR Investment Thesis

Cleveland has strong BRRRR fundamentals but higher property taxes reduce post-refinance cash flow. Target the west side neighborhoods where renovation comps are well-established and hard money lenders are comfortable lending.

How Cleveland Compares

RankCityBRRRR ScoreCap RateMedian Price
#1Detroit, MI7.611.2%$85,000
#2Cleveland, OH6.79.8%$105,000
#3Memphis, TN6.29.2%$130,000
#4Toledo, OH6.29.0%$88,000
#5Dayton, OH6.28.8%$95,000

Showing markets ranked near Cleveland for this strategy.

Quick Math: Estimated Annual Return

Annual Gross Rent ($1,100/mo)$13,200
Less: Vacancy (10%)-$1,320
Less: Property Tax (2.19%)-$2,300
Less: Insurance (~0.5%)-$525
Less: Maintenance (~1.5%)-$1,575
Estimated NOI$7,480
Implied Cap Rate7.1%

Based on median market data. Your actual returns will vary based on specific property, financing, and management costs. Always run your own analysis before investing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the brrrr score for Cleveland, OH?

Cleveland, OH scores 6.7 out of 10 on our brrrr score, ranking #2 out of 52 markets we track. Weighted composite: cap rate (30%), affordable entry price (25%), rent-to-price ratio (25%), population growth (20%). Scale 0–10.

Is Cleveland a good city for brrrr investing?

Yes — Cleveland, OH ranks in the top 10 for brrrr investing with a score of 6.7/10. Key factors include a median home price of $105,000, cap rate of 9.8%, and population growth of -2.1%.

What is the average cap rate in Cleveland?

The average cap rate in Cleveland, OH is 9.8%. The median home price is $105,000 with a median monthly rent of $1,100, resulting in a rent-to-price ratio of 1.05%.

What are the property taxes in Cleveland?

The effective property tax rate in Cleveland, OH is 2.19%. On a $105,000 property, that translates to approximately $2,300 per year in property taxes.

How does Cleveland compare to other brrrr markets?

Among our 52 tracked markets, Cleveland, OH ranks #2 for brrrr investing. It is one of the top-performing markets for this strategy.

What is the typical entry price for BRRRR deals in Cleveland?

The median home price in Cleveland, OH is $105,000. Distressed BRRRR-eligible properties typically sell for 60-70% of median value, putting estimated acquisition costs around $68,250. After rehab, the goal is to refinance at or near the full $105,000 after-repair value.

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