Frequently Asked Questions

Are you a real estate investor? Do you own any properties?

Yes. I own more than 30 units in Columbus and actively invest in buy-and-hold properties. I've also renovated and flipped more than 20 homes. With more than 200 transactions behind me, I can confidently guide clients through their own goals, whether you're buying, selling, or building a portfolio.

See some of my past deals on Homes.com, and find more about me at linktr.ee/blakepark1095.

Do you work with investors? What does your client base look like?

Many of my clients are out-of-state investors, and I've built my business around helping people confidently buy properties they may never see in person. From day one, I set up the right infrastructure: introductions to vetted property managers, contractors, attorneys, inspectors, and other key professionals, so you can build and manage your portfolio remotely. I also help local homebuyers and sellers with the same level of care.

What networks are you a preferred agent for?

• BiggerPockets: vetted and recommended by the largest real estate investing community in the country.
• White Coat Investor: trusted by physicians, dentists, and other high-income professionals looking for smart, passive real estate investments.
• Ramsey Endorsed Local Providers: part of a network built on financial discipline and long-term wealth building.
• Columbus hospitals: frequently referred to help relocating professionals, first-time investors, and new landlords.

Where do you find deals for your clients?

I source opportunities from a wide range of channels so my clients see both on- and off-market properties. These are the seven main ways I find deals:

1. MLS listings

   I monitor new, older, and expired listings daily. My team contacts listing agents to see whether a property makes sense at the current price, or whether our target price could get the deal done.

2. Direct-to-seller outreach

   I contact owners by call, text, email, and in person. This hands-on approach consistently generates 5+ off-market deals each month.

3. Pocket listings from agents

   I follow up with multifamily agents every 1–3 months to stay top of mind, which often leads to early access before properties hit the market.

4. Dedicated lead generation team

   A team of 8+ people focuses solely on sourcing off-market properties, and it keeps growing as we scale deal flow.

5. Wholesale networks

   I receive 100+ wholesale deals weekly. Most don't meet my standards, so I filter, verify the key details, and only present the ones worth your time.

6. Internal brokerage network

   More than 50 agents in my brokerage hunt for deals using similar methods and send strong opportunities to me for my investor clients.

7. Agent outreach and networking

   I stay in regular contact with agents across the market to hear about what's coming soon, bringing in early leads that aren't widely circulated.

How do you send out deals?

For each property I put together a deal packet (a "write-up") with the physical description, sales comps, rent comps, photos and video, inspection reports, leases, rent rolls, and any other details available.

I email write-ups to a list segmented by your criteria (price point, location, and property type) so you only see deals that fit your goals. On average, expect 1–3 curated deals per day, on and off market.

I also keep a HOT investor list for clients who actively engage with me on deals. It doesn't receive different deals, but I send details faster and stay closely connected so you're first in line when strong opportunities come through.

What terms and contingencies do you commonly use when writing offers?

• Contingent on financing
• Contingent on an inspection period (generally 7–10 days, depending on the situation)
• Contingent on an appraisal meeting the purchase price
• Contingent on marketable title, free and clear

Sellers like a quick, clean, simple close. I work with you, your lender, and your timeline to set the shortest realistic closing date, so your offer is competitive without overbidding.

Special terms I use when they apply

For some off-market deals we can't get photos or video before writing an offer. In those cases I often advise having earnest money delivered to the title company within 2 business days after the inspection period ends, so you can see the property before committing your deposit. Final contract language is always reviewed with you for your specific deal.

Who is your go-to title company?

Ohio Real Title. They're one of the largest title companies in the state and have been my most consistent, responsive partner.

Do you have a property manager you recommend?

In Columbus I most often refer Donny Thompson with ERA, who manages many properties owned by agents in my brokerage, and Brandon Sturgill with Apartna, based on consistently strong experiences. I have additional contacts depending on location, property type, and unit count, including short-term rental managers. I always recommend interviewing a few managers to find the best fit. See my Property Management guide for full contact details.

What operating costs should I budget for?

These are my rough estimates for Columbus 1–4 unit properties. Actual costs vary by property, so we'll confirm numbers for any deal you're considering.

What are the risks of houses built around 1900?

The big five are foundation, electrical, HVAC, roof, and plumbing.

• Foundation: if it's in good condition after a century, it can reasonably last another. Any cracks need a qualified inspector.
• Electrical: older homes may have knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring, which should be updated to grounded Romex. Some homes have already been updated.
• HVAC: furnaces typically last about 25 years, so ask when it was installed.
• Roof: shingle roofs last about 25–30 years. Slate can last a century but is costly to repair; if it's in poor shape, replacing with shingles may make sense.
• Plumbing: cast iron drains are typical and can be better than PVC if in good condition. Galvanized supply lines often rust and should be replaced with PVC, PEX, or copper. Clay sewer lines can crack near trees, so a sewer scope is a good idea.

Should I invest in single-family, multifamily, or commercial?