Akron, Ohio is a frequently overlooked real estate investment market that offers some of the strongest cap rate opportunities in the state. Located 40 miles south of Cleveland and 60 miles north of Columbus, Akron combines the affordability advantages of smaller Ohio cities with meaningful economic anchors — including a major university (University of Akron), significant healthcare employment (Cleveland Clinic Akron General, Summa Health), and a diversifying economy transitioning from its rubber and polymer industrial roots. For DSCR investors, Akron produces strong ratios.
The Akron Investment Property Market
Akron offers investors a compelling combination of affordability and returns:
- High cap rates — Akron offers some of the highest cap rates of any major Ohio metro. Properties purchased at the right price points can achieve 8–10%+ cap rates.
- Affordable entry — $100,000–$200,000 price points for quality investment properties make Akron accessible to investors at multiple capital levels.
- University rental demand — University of Akron creates student rental demand in surrounding neighborhoods.
- Healthcare employment — Major hospital systems provide stable working-class and professional rental demand.
- Proximity to Cleveland — Investors comfortable with the Cleveland market often extend into Akron for additional opportunities.
Akron DSCR Deal Analysis
A typical Akron DSCR investment scenario:
- Purchase price: $155,000 single-family in West Akron
- Down payment: 25% = $38,750
- Loan amount: $116,250
- Rate: 7.25% DSCR
- Monthly P&I: $793
- Taxes: $210/month
- Insurance: $90/month
- Total PITIA: $1,093
- Market rent: $1,350/month
- DSCR: 1.23 — qualifies cleanly
- Monthly cash flow before management/reserves: +$257
This deal profile is achievable in multiple Akron submarkets and represents one of the most accessible entry points for DSCR investing in Ohio.
Akron Submarkets for Investors
Key Akron-area investment submarkets:
- West Akron — More stable, family rental market. Better tenant quality, slightly higher prices than East Akron.
- South Akron / Ellet — Working-class rental market with strong demand and affordable acquisition costs.
- University area — Student rental demand. Higher management intensity but strong yield potential.
- Cuyahoga Falls — Adjacent suburb with strong middle-class rental market and slightly higher prices.
- Tallmadge / Springfield Township — Suburban Akron with family rental demand and more stable tenancy patterns.
- Barberton — Very affordable entry points, high cap rates, higher management intensity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes for cash flow-focused investors. Akron offers some of the highest cap rates in Ohio at very affordable entry points. The market requires more active management than Columbus or Cleveland but produces strong returns on well-purchased properties.
Yes. DSCR loans are available for Akron investment properties that meet standard requirements — minimum $100,000-$150,000 loan amount, 620+ credit, 1.0+ DSCR. Some lenders have minimum value thresholds for Akron properties.
On well-purchased properties, Akron typically produces DSCR ratios of 1.20–1.40. The combination of affordable acquisition costs and reasonable rental rates makes for strong coverage ratios.
Most DSCR lenders require loan amounts of $100,000–$150,000 minimum. At 75% LTV, this implies property values of approximately $135,000–$200,000 minimum. Very low-value Akron properties may face limited lender options.
Yes. Viador Partners originates DSCR loans throughout Ohio including the Akron-Canton metro area. Submit your Akron deal for a free review.
Akron property taxes are moderate — typically $150-$250/month on a $150,000-$200,000 property. Insurance costs are low ($75-$120/month) comparable to the rest of Ohio. The lower carrying costs relative to purchase price contribute to strong DSCR ratios.