The Best US Cities for Out-of-State Real Estate Investors
Markets that work well when you can't drive the property monthly — strong PM ecosystems, predictable returns, and low operational variance.
DATA · ZILLOW REGIONAL ROLLUPS · 12 CITIES
- 01Akron, OH$141k median + 9.70% yield + 10.333333333333334d DOM — remote-investable scale85/100OUT-OF-STATE INVESTOR SCOREMEDIAN $141kYoY +2.5%RENT $1,135/moYIELD 9.70%
- 02Baltimore, MD$192k median + 11.02% yield + 22.666666666666668d DOM — remote-investable scale85/100OUT-OF-STATE INVESTOR SCOREMEDIAN $192kYoY -1.3%RENT $1,760/moYIELD 11.02%
- 03Baton Rouge, LA$231k median + 6.98% yield + 32d DOM — remote-investable scale85/100OUT-OF-STATE INVESTOR SCOREMEDIAN $231kYoY -0.3%RENT $1,343/moYIELD 6.98%
- 04Birmingham, AL$137k median + 11.39% yield + 22.833333333333332d DOM — remote-investable scale85/100OUT-OF-STATE INVESTOR SCOREMEDIAN $137kYoY -2.1%RENT $1,303/moYIELD 11.39%
- 05Buffalo, NY$241k median + 6.91% yield + 11.333333333333334d DOM — remote-investable scale85/100OUT-OF-STATE INVESTOR SCOREMEDIAN $241kYoY +3.7%RENT $1,390/moYIELD 6.91%
- 06Columbia, SC$230k median + 7.61% yield + 20d DOM — remote-investable scale85/100OUT-OF-STATE INVESTOR SCOREMEDIAN $230kYoY +1.4%RENT $1,458/moYIELD 7.61%
- 07Columbus, GA$175k median + 8.40% yield + 18.5d DOM — remote-investable scale85/100OUT-OF-STATE INVESTOR SCOREMEDIAN $175kYoY +1.5%RENT $1,226/moYIELD 8.40%
- 08Columbus, OH$249k median + 7.02% yield + 9.666666666666666d DOM — remote-investable scale85/100OUT-OF-STATE INVESTOR SCOREMEDIAN $249kYoY -0.6%RENT $1,456/moYIELD 7.02%
- 09Corpus Christi, TX$226k median + 7.42% yield + 41.5d DOM — remote-investable scale85/100OUT-OF-STATE INVESTOR SCOREMEDIAN $226kYoY -0.8%RENT $1,400/moYIELD 7.42%
- 10Dayton, OH$139k median + 10.36% yield + 13.333333333333334d DOM — remote-investable scale85/100OUT-OF-STATE INVESTOR SCOREMEDIAN $139kYoY +1.3%RENT $1,199/moYIELD 10.36%
- 11Des Moines, IA$211k median + 6.58% yield + 26.333333333333332d DOM — remote-investable scale85/100OUT-OF-STATE INVESTOR SCOREMEDIAN $211kYoY +0.6%RENT $1,156/moYIELD 6.58%
- 12El Paso, TX$236k median + 7.44% yield + 35d DOM — remote-investable scale85/100OUT-OF-STATE INVESTOR SCOREMEDIAN $236kYoY +1.5%RENT $1,464/moYIELD 7.44%
How the ranking is computed.
Score = base 30 + price-tier bonus (sweet spot $120-250k where PMs are abundant) + yield bonus (remote = need cushion) + liquidity bonus (low DOM means you won't get stuck if you need to sell).
Frequently asked.
How do I vet property managers in an out-of-state market?
Ask for 5+ active client references — actually call them. Request a sample monthly statement. Check Google reviews + BBB. Visit the office in person at least once. Out-of-state ownership is only as good as your PM relationship.
Should I use a turnkey provider?
Turnkey providers reduce the operational lift (acquisition, rehab, tenant placement) but you pay closer to retail — margin is thinner. Best for first OOS deals when you're still learning. Once you understand the market, direct acquisition + PM is more profitable.
How often should I visit an out-of-state property?
Initially: quarterly walkthroughs for the first year, then annually if the PM is competent. Never go more than a year without seeing the property — deferred maintenance and tenant behavior are easier to catch in person.
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