Market insights
December 19, 2025
5
min

Foreign Investors: Here's What You Need to Know about Ohio

Waltz
Digital solution
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Ohio has emerged as one of the most affordable and investor-friendly states in the Midwest. With a stable economy, diverse industries, and comparatively low property costs, the state offers a clear pathway for international buyers looking to expand into U.S. real estate. Cities like Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati combine affordability with reliable rental demand, while university towns add consistent, year-round tenant bases.

What used to be a barrier for foreigners no longer stands in the way. With debt-service-coverage-ratio (DSCR) loans and a fully digital platform, foreign nationals can now finance Ohio investment properties without U.S. credit or income and close remotely with Waltz. That makes it easier than ever to start or scale a rental portfolio in the U.S. from abroad.

Key takeaways

  • Ohio combines affordability, rental yield strength, and steady demand.

  • Major metros and university towns provide strong rental opportunities.

  • Waltz helps foreign nationals overcome financing and entity setup hurdles with a fully digital process.

Why people invest in Ohio real estate

Ohio attracts foreign investors with its balance of affordability and stability. While it doesn’t see the same population surges as states like Texas or Florida, its steady growth, resilient job market, and comparatively low entry costs make it a compelling choice for long-term portfolio building.

Housing affordability

Median home prices in Ohio remain far below the national average. For foreign buyers, this affordability means the ability to scale portfolios or diversify holdings without tying up as much capital per property. Compared to cities like Toronto, London, or Tel Aviv, Ohio markets provide attractive value with room for yield.

Rental demand

Each major Ohio metro area presents unique advantages, from affordable multi-family options to university-driven communities, making it easier for foreign investors to find properties with reliable cash flow. Key highlights include:

  • Columbus: Steady demand from a growing young professional base and major universities.

  • Cleveland: Known for affordable multi-family properties and strong cash-flow potential.

  • Cincinnati: Supported by a stable renter population tied to universities, hospitals, and corporate employers.

Who’s investing in Ohio

While Ohio represents a smaller share of total U.S. foreign real estate purchases compared to states like Florida or Texas, interest is steadily growing. International buyers are drawn by low entry prices, stable rental demand, and the opportunity to scale portfolios with less upfront capital.

Waltz internal data shows that Israeli investors favored Ohio properties in Q3 of 2025, aligning with this nationality’s preference for Midwest markets that offer high rent-to-price ratios and strong cash flow potential. These trends highlight Ohio’s growing global appeal as an accessible and practical entry point for U.S. real estate investment.

Learn more: 2025 NAR Report: A Closer Look at Foreign Buyers Purchasing U.S. Real Estate

Understanding investor motivations

Foreign nationals are increasingly turning to Ohio real estate for its affordability, strong rental yields, and the financial stability that comes with U.S. property ownership

Hedge against inflation and currency volatility

The stability of the U.S. political and economic environment makes it an attractive destination for foreign investors seeking security and long-term wealth preservation. In times of inflation or currency volatility abroad, holding assets in U.S. dollars provides a reliable hedge. This stability is further strengthened by America’s robust legal framework and strong property rights protections, which ensure investors can confidently own, use, lease, or sell their assets while maintaining full control over their investments.

Access to fixed-rate mortgages

In many countries, mortgages are variable-rate, leaving investors vulnerable to rising costs. By contrast, U.S. loans often offer fixed-rate options, allowing foreign investors to lock in predictable payments and plan their long-term investments with greater certainty.

Why Ohio works for foreign nationals (with Waltz)

For many foreign buyers, financing is the biggest obstacle to investing in Ohio. Traditional U.S. banks usually require credit scores, income verification, or in-person branch visits, requirements that most international investors can’t meet. Waltz removes those barriers with a lending model and platform designed specifically for foreign nationals.

The cash flow-drive DSCR loan model

The question for Ohio real estate is simple: can the property’s rental income support its expenses? Waltz helps investors qualify based on the property’s cash flow, not their personal income or U.S. credit score. Loans are evaluated by whether rental revenue can cover monthly costs—making it easier for foreign nationals to secure financing on income-producing properties.

How it’s calculated:

Debt-service-coverage-ratio = Rent ÷ Total Monthly Debt Service

Total Monthly Debt Service includes mortgage principal and interest, property taxes, insurance, and HOA fees (if applicable). A DSCR of 1.0 or higher means rental income covers expenses, making the property a strong candidate for financing.

Loan terms and flexibility1

  • Loan amounts from $100,000 to $1 million

  • Down payments of 25–30%

  • Up to 70% loan-to-value (LTV)

  • Eligible for single-family homes, condos, townhomes, and small multi-family properties

Refinance options

Waltz also supports both rate-and-term and cash-out refinancing1, allowing foreign nationals to unlock equity from Ohio investments and scale portfolios more quickly.

Remote closings and digital process

With Waltz, the entire process is digital and paperless. Investors can close remotely in as little as 30 days, avoiding costly and time-consuming trips to the U.S.

Waltz Investor Kit

Waltz also simplifies setup for foreign nationals with bundled services:

  • Ohio LLC  formation

  • EIN  issuance

  • FDIC-insured U.S. bank account through Regent Bank2

  • Integrated foreign exchange solutions3

This end-to-end approach makes it possible to invest in Ohio from anywhere in the world.

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