917 Helmsdale Rd · Cleveland Heights, OH 44112

$169,900

6 bd · 2.0 ba · 3,020 sqft · MultiFamily public records · 94 Days on market

Built 1925 4,800 sqft lot $56/sqft · 15% above area Est $148k · 15% over

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Why this score? — see what drove the C+ grade

The composite is a weighted blend of 9 inputs, each scored 0–100. Each bar is that input's sub-score; the figure is the points it added to the 100-point composite (weight × sub-score).

• Cash flow +30.0/30.0
• 1% rule +10.0/10.0
• DSCR +10.0/10.0
• Livability +4.5/5.0
• Rent growth +3.8/5.0
• Condition / age +2.5/5.0
• ARV discount +0.7/15.0
• Schools +0.7/10.0
• Appreciation +0.0/10.0

Multi-family units

County records classify this as Multi-Family (2-4 Unit). Listing-text estimate: 2 units. confirmed

Listing remarks MLS

Attention investors — here’s a solid cash-flowing duplex in the heart of Cleveland Heights offering immediate income and long-term upside! Each unit features 3 bedrooms and 1 full bathroom, providing strong rental appeal for families or long-term tenants. Inside, you’ll find a bright and comfortable living room, a functional kitchen with an adjacent dining area perfect for everyday meals, and practical layouts designed for easy living. Both units also benefit from access to a basement, offering additional storage or potential value-add opportunities. A 2-car detached garage adds further convenience and tenant appeal — a desirable feature in this area. The lower unit is currently tenant-occupied, generating $1,000 per month, Month to Month, beginning on the 12/01/2025. Tenant expected move in upper unit on 03/31/2026, one year lease rented for $1,075/mo. , providing immediate, reliable income from day one. Located in desirable Cleveland Heights, the home sits near major roads for easy commuting, public transportation options, local parks, shopping centers, schools, and everyday conveniences. The neighborhood’s strong rental demand and proximity to surrounding business districts make this a strategic investment opportunity. Professional management in place and willing to stay on. Full service management with dedicated departments for leasing, marketing, tenant communication. Plus rehab and construction services available for remote investors! If you’re seeking a performing asset with room to grow in a stable rental market, this duplex is worth your attention. Schedule your showing and explore the potential today! No wholesalers. No Seller financing. No low ball offers.

Key facts

• Functional kitchen
• Access to basement
• Bright living room

Tags

• CASH-FLOWING DUPLEX
• BRIGHT LIVING ROOM
• FUNCTIONAL KITCHEN
• ADJACENT DINING AREA
• ACCESS TO BASEMENT
• 2-CAR DETACHED GARAGE

What this means for you Summary

Snapshot

• This is a 2 × 3-bed/1.0-bath units multifamily listed at $170k.

Deal economics

• At list price, monthly cash flow is $1k ($17k/yr) — positive. Per door: $706/mo.
• The deal already cash-flows at list — no discount required.
• Meets the 1% rule at list price ($3k rent vs $170k).
• Recommended offer: $155k (9.0% below list) — sets the bar for market timing.
• Cap rate 16.3% vs local median 4.4% in Cleveland Heights — top-decile yield for the area; either an underpriced asset or a hidden risk that comps aren't pricing in. Stress-test before assuming the spread holds.

Location & tenants

• Location reads 89/100 on livability (#12 in OH, #124 nationally) — a professional / high-income tenant draw. Strengths: amenities A+, commute A+, cost of living A+.
• East Cleveland City School District (suburban): math 4% / reading 17% proficiency, ranked #652 of 656 in OH (top 99%) — low school quality limits family demand, transient renter base, plan for 1-2y turnover; 92% free/reduced lunch — lower-income household profile, screen leases tightly.
• Market conditions: Rents rising fast (+5.2%/yr); 99 active listings in the ZIP; 1 comparable units currently listed for rent nearby; lower-income renter base — watch delinquency; 1,441 units permitted in Cuyahoga County in 2024 (700 in 5+ unit buildings).
• At $3,336/mo this rent would consume 139% of the median local household income ($29k/yr) (locally 1702% of renters already pay >50% of income on rent) — very limited rent-growth headroom before tenants either downsize or default.

Forward outlook

• Local home prices are declining (-3.0%/yr); year-one equity from $1k of loan paydown is wiped out by about $5k of value loss. Plan a longer hold.
• Cuyahoga County population projected to shrink 8% by 2050 — rents likely to lag national; underwrite the cash flow, not the appreciation.
• At projected returns (-3.0% appreciation + 5.2% rent growth), your $48k cash investment doubles in ~4 years — after that, you're playing with house money.

Negotiation context

• It's been on market 94 days — a 9% lower offer ($155k) is reasonable based on typical stale-listing flexibility.
• 6 sale attempts since 27y ago with the ask held roughly flat each time — persistent listings suggest the price (not the market) is what's stuck; bring a comps-based counter.
• Current owner paid $137k; 24% above their basis — modest negotiation headroom, anchor on the comps not their cost.

Risks & watch-outs

• Watch-outs: built in 1925 — expect roof / HVAC / electrical / plumbing capex.
• Climate carrying-cost: moderate flood risk — expect insurance premiums to compound above CPI over the hold.

Recommended offer $154,609 (9.0% below list)

Questions for the listing agent

1. It's been on market 94 days. Have you received any prior offers? Is the seller open to a 9% concession, seller financing, or rate buy-down credit?
2. Can we see the unit-by-unit rent roll, current vacancy, and any below-market leases? What's the average tenancy length?
3. What capital expenditures (roof, boiler, parking lot, exteriors) have been made in the last 5 years, and what's planned in the next 2?
4. Built in 1925 — when were the roof, HVAC, electrical panel, plumbing, and water heater last replaced?
5. Why hasn't it sold? Are there any deal-killer items the seller is aware of (foundation, flood, title, zoning, code violations)?
6. Is there a deadline driving the sale (1031 exchange, divorce, estate, relocation)? That informs how much negotiation room exists.
7. Schools are A-rated — typically a magnet for longer-tenancy family renters. What's the average tenant stay here, and is there a school-zone premium baked into asking?
8. What's the average days-on-market for RENTAL listings here right now (not sales)? A rising rental-DOM trend means longer vacancies and softer asking-rent achievability than the comps imply.
9. What's the recent tenant-quality profile in this submarket — average credit score on applications, eviction rate, late-payment / NSF rate, and stable-employment percentage? A property-management company in the area should have these aggregated.
10. How much new apartment / multifamily construction is in the pipeline within 1–3 miles? Heavy new supply (>2% of stock underway) typically softens rents 12–24 months out; light construction supports rent growth.

Investment metrics

• 1% rule: 1.96% ✓
• Cap rate: 16.27%
• Cash-on-cash: 35.64%
• DSCR: 2.59
• GRM: 4.2

CMA / ARV

• ARV (median comp): $147,651
• List price: $169,900
• Delta: 15.07%
• Verdict: OVERPRICED
• Comps: 20 within 1.0 mi

Show comp detail 3 sales within ~0.75 mi

Address	Dist	Beds/Ba	Sqft	Sold	Price	$/sf	Match
913-915 Helmsdale Rd	0.01mi	6/3.5	3,020 (0%)	13mo	$163,000	$54	83
885 Helmsdale Rd	0.06mi	5/3.5 (-1)	3,132 (+4%)	6mo	$152,000	$49	75
817 Helmsdale Rd	0.19mi	5/3.0 (-1)	2,576 (-15%)	5mo	$153,000	$59	54

Match score weights: distance 35% · size 25% · config 20% · recency 20%. Top-matched comps best support the ARV.

Projected returns pro-forma

-3.0% appreciation · 5.16% rent growth · sell at horizon

5-year hold

• IRR: 33.8%
• Equity multiple: 2.47×
• Total profit: $69,932
• Equity at exit: $25,333

10-year hold

• IRR: 41.9%
• Equity multiple: 5.39×
• Total profit: $208,846
• Equity at exit: $14,690

Cash invested: $47,572 (down + closing). Projections, not guarantees.

Landlord ↔ Tenant lean methodology

• Overall (STATE): 73 Landlord-Friendly
• State Ohio: 73 Landlord-Friendly · R+6
• County: — inherits STATE
• City: — inherits STATE

3-day notice; Cleveland / Columbus have some habitability code enforcement; otherwise landlord-leaning.

Methodology + full state rankings →

ZIP-level market 44112

• Rents YoY: 5.2%
• Active inventory: 99
• Price-to-rent: 8.5×

Monthly cashflow live

• Estimated rent: $3,336 high
• Mortgage (P&I): −$891
• Tax from tax record: −$261 /mo · $3,131/yr
• Insurance: −$71
• HOA: −$0
• Vacancy / Maint / Mgmt: −$701
• Net cashflow: $1,413

Break-even live

Break-even rent $1,548

Max offer price $169,900

Occupancy floor 53%

2-unit breakdown (identical units grouped — click to expand)

Units	Beds	Baths	Est. rent
▸ 2× units	3	1	$3,336
Total (2 units)			$3,336

UW: 25.0% down · 7.5% · 30yr · 1.5% tax · 5.0% vac · 8.0% maint · 8.0% mgmt

Financing live

Cash to close

• Down payment: $42,475
• Closing costs: $5,097
• Reserves months: —
• Total cash needed: —

Rent comps 1 comps

Address	Beds	Baths	Sqft	Rent	$/sqft	DOM	Units	Dist
1853 Noble Rd Cleveland, OH	7.0	2.0	2387	$600	$0.25	43d	1	0.63mi

Listing history 20 events

1. 2026-06-03
   statusdays on market $169,900 Pending 94 DOM
2. 2026-06-02
   days on market $169,900 Active 93 DOM
3. 2026-06-01
   days on market $169,900 Active 92 DOM
4. 2026-05-31
   days on market $169,900 Active 91 DOM
5. 2026-04-20
   status Active 1731-char remark

   Show marketing remark (1731 chars)

   Attention investors — here’s a solid cash-flowing duplex in the heart of Cleveland Heights offering immediate income and long-term upside! Each unit features 3 bedrooms and 1 full bathroom, providing strong rental appeal for families or long-term tenants. Inside, you’ll find a bright and comfortable living room, a functional kitchen with an adjacent dining area perfect for everyday meals, and practical layouts designed for easy living. Both units also benefit from access to a basement, offering additional storage or potential value-add opportunities. A 2-car detached garage adds further convenience and tenant appeal — a desirable feature in this area. The lower unit is currently tenant-occupied, generating $1,000 per month, Month to Month, beginning on the 12/01/2025. Tenant expected move in upper unit on 03/31/2026, one year lease rented for $1,075/mo. , providing immediate, reliable income from day one. Located in desirable Cleveland Heights, the home sits near major roads for easy commuting, public transportation options, local parks, shopping centers, schools, and everyday conveniences. The neighborhood’s strong rental demand and proximity to surrounding business districts make this a strategic investment opportunity. Professional management in place and willing to stay on. Full service management with dedicated departments for leasing, marketing, tenant communication. Plus rehab and construction services available for remote investors! If you’re seeking a performing asset with room to grow in a stable rental market, this duplex is worth your attention. Schedule your showing and explore the potential today! No wholesalers. No Seller financing. No low ball offers.

6. 2026-04-07
   status Pending 1731-char remark

   Show marketing remark (1731 chars)

   Attention investors — here’s a solid cash-flowing duplex in the heart of Cleveland Heights offering immediate income and long-term upside! Each unit features 3 bedrooms and 1 full bathroom, providing strong rental appeal for families or long-term tenants. Inside, you’ll find a bright and comfortable living room, a functional kitchen with an adjacent dining area perfect for everyday meals, and practical layouts designed for easy living. Both units also benefit from access to a basement, offering additional storage or potential value-add opportunities. A 2-car detached garage adds further convenience and tenant appeal — a desirable feature in this area. The lower unit is currently tenant-occupied, generating $1,000 per month, Month to Month, beginning on the 12/01/2025. Tenant expected move in upper unit on 03/31/2026, one year lease rented for $1,075/mo. , providing immediate, reliable income from day one. Located in desirable Cleveland Heights, the home sits near major roads for easy commuting, public transportation options, local parks, shopping centers, schools, and everyday conveniences. The neighborhood’s strong rental demand and proximity to surrounding business districts make this a strategic investment opportunity. Professional management in place and willing to stay on. Full service management with dedicated departments for leasing, marketing, tenant communication. Plus rehab and construction services available for remote investors! If you’re seeking a performing asset with room to grow in a stable rental market, this duplex is worth your attention. Schedule your showing and explore the potential today! No wholesalers. No Seller financing. No low ball offers.

7. 2026-02-16
   listed $169,900 Active 1731-char remark

   Show marketing remark (1731 chars)

   Attention investors — here’s a solid cash-flowing duplex in the heart of Cleveland Heights offering immediate income and long-term upside! Each unit features 3 bedrooms and 1 full bathroom, providing strong rental appeal for families or long-term tenants. Inside, you’ll find a bright and comfortable living room, a functional kitchen with an adjacent dining area perfect for everyday meals, and practical layouts designed for easy living. Both units also benefit from access to a basement, offering additional storage or potential value-add opportunities. A 2-car detached garage adds further convenience and tenant appeal — a desirable feature in this area. The lower unit is currently tenant-occupied, generating $1,000 per month, Month to Month, beginning on the 12/01/2025. Tenant expected move in upper unit on 03/31/2026, one year lease rented for $1,075/mo. , providing immediate, reliable income from day one. Located in desirable Cleveland Heights, the home sits near major roads for easy commuting, public transportation options, local parks, shopping centers, schools, and everyday conveniences. The neighborhood’s strong rental demand and proximity to surrounding business districts make this a strategic investment opportunity. Professional management in place and willing to stay on. Full service management with dedicated departments for leasing, marketing, tenant communication. Plus rehab and construction services available for remote investors! If you’re seeking a performing asset with room to grow in a stable rental market, this duplex is worth your attention. Schedule your showing and explore the potential today! No wholesalers. No Seller financing. No low ball offers.

8. 2024-12-03
   soldstatus $136,800
9. 2020-01-10
   soldstatus $80,000
10. 2010-01-22
    soldstatus $15,000 215-char remark

    Show marketing remark (215 chars)

    This property is a Short Sale with Pre-Approved pricing. FAST turn-around / direct link with the seller for negotiations and approvals! Property is being sold AS IS. Security system not with property. Full Basement.

11. 2009-08-27
    listed $19,900 215-char remark

    Show marketing remark (215 chars)

    This property is a Short Sale with Pre-Approved pricing. FAST turn-around / direct link with the seller for negotiations and approvals! Property is being sold AS IS. Security system not with property. Full Basement.

12. 2007-06-12
    historical
13. 2006-12-12
    listed $135,000
14. 2006-03-01
    historical
15. 2005-09-02
    listed $150,000
16. 2002-01-16
    soldstatus $115,900
17. 2000-06-12
    historical
18. 1999-12-12
    listed $99,900
19. 1989-12-08
    soldstatus $61,000
20. 1980-06-06
    soldstatus $24,000

ⓘ Source: listings_history table (triggers on properties + properties_extension) + one-shot backfill from property_details.listing_events for pre-trigger history.

Tax reassessment forecast OH · Partial reset (capped growth)

• Current annual tax: $3,131 · $261/mo
• Projected year-2 tax: $3,131 · $261/mo
• Expected delta: $0/yr ($0/mo · 0.0%)

ⓘ Screening estimate from a state-policy table — verify with the county assessor before closing.

Climate risk First Street

• 🌊 Flood 5/10 Major FEMA zone X (unshaded) · 66% chance over 30 yrs
• 🔥 Wildfire 1/10 Low
• 🌡 Heat 3/10 Moderate 7 d/yr ≥95°F today · 16 d/yr by 30 yrs out
• 💨 Wind 1/10 Low
• 🫁 Air quality 3/10 Moderate 3 unhealthy d/yr today · 5 by 30 yrs out

Taxation est. · year 1

• Rental income: $40,032
• − Mortgage interest: −$9,517
• − Property taxes: −$3,131
• − Insurance: −$850
• − Repairs & maintenance: −$3,203
• − Management: −$3,203
• − Depreciation: −$4,943
• Taxable income: $15,186
• Est. tax owed @ 24.0%: −$3,645
• After-tax cash flow: $13,308/yr

For passive investors: Depreciation is non-cash, so a rental often shows a tax loss while cash-flowing — sheltering income. Rental losses are passive: they offset passive income freely, and up to $25,000/yr can offset ordinary (W-2) income if you actively participate and your MAGI is under $100k (phasing out to $0 by $150k); unused losses carry forward. On sale, claimed depreciation is recaptured at up to 25%, and gains may owe capital-gains tax (a 1031 exchange can defer both). Figures are a year-1 estimate at your 24.0% rate — not tax advice; consult a CPA.

Schools (NCES district)

• District: East Cleveland City School District
• NCES district ID: 3904390
• Math proficiency: 4% ▼ -16.00%
• Reading proficiency: 17% ▼ -13.00%
• Median HH income: $22,726
• Composite: 7.38/100
• National rank: #9954
• State rank: #652 of 656 in OH

Livability — Cleveland Heights

• Score: 89/100
• State rank: #12
• US rank: #124

Category grades

Amenities A+ Commute A+ Cost of living A+ Crime B Employment C+ Housing A+ Health & safety A User ratings C+

Schools grade is shown separately in the Schools card above.

Census & demographics

• Census place: Cleveland Heights, OH
• County: Cuyahoga County · 1,090,369 people
• City population: 17,848
• Metro: Cleveland-Elyria, OH
• Population (ZIP): 17,848
• Household income: $28,799
• Rent vs Own: 54.9% rent · 45.1% own
• Severe rent burden: 1702.0

Population outlook (Cuyahoga County) Hauer SSP2

• Today (2025): 1,244,621 people
• By 2030: 1,230,093 · -1.2%
• By 2040: 1,189,108 · -4.5%
• By 2050: 1,145,706 · -7.9%
• By 2075: 1,076,557 · -13.5%
• By 2100: 978,987 · -21.3%

Race, ethnicity, and origin ACS 2023

• Neighborhood character: Predominantly Black (89%)
• Race & ethnicity: Black 89% White 7% Two or more races 2% Hispanic / Latino 1%
• Common ancestry: Lithuanian 1%
• Foreign-born: 4% · Canada
• Languages at home: 93% English-only · French/Haitian/Cajun 3% Spanish 2% Russian/Polish/Slavic 1%

Political lean MEDSL · Cuyahoga

• 2024 margin: Solid D (+31.5) · D 65.4% · R 33.9%
• 2008→2024 swing: -7.4pp toward R · 2008: 38.9pp · 2024: 31.5pp
• All cycles: 2024: D+31.5 2020: D+34.1 2016: D+35.0 2012: D+38.7 2008: D+38.9

Not yet ingested

• Civics: —

Market trends

• HPI YoY: ▼ -115.61%
• Current HPI: 67.2162
• Rent YoY: ▲ 5.16%
• Metro: Cleveland-Elyria, OH
• State GDP YoY: ▲ 1.98%
• F500 in state: 48

Industry mix (Fortune 500 HQ in OH)

Industry	F500 HQs	Revenue
▸Insurance	3	$145B
▸Industrial Machinery	3	$49B
▸Financial Services	3	$24B
▸Consumer Goods	2	$93B
▸Aerospace / Defense	2	$47B
▸Utilities	2	$33B

Price history

+607.9% since first listed

16 events — show timeline

• 2026-04-20 Relisted — MLSNOW
• 2026-04-07 Pending — MLSNOW
• 2026-02-16 Listed $169,900 MLSNOW
• 2024-12-03 Sold (Public Records) $136,800 Public Records
• 2020-01-10 Sold (Public Records) $80,000 Public Records
• 2010-01-22 Sold (MLS) $15,000 MLSNOW
• 2009-08-27 Listed $19,900 MLSNOW
• 2007-06-12 Listing Removed — MLSNOW
• 2006-12-12 Listed $135,000 MLSNOW
• 2006-03-01 Listing Removed — MLSNOW
• 2005-09-02 Listed $150,000 MLSNOW
• 2002-01-16 Sold (Public Records) $115,900 Public Records
• 2000-06-12 Listing Removed — MLSNOW
• 1999-12-12 Listed $99,900 MLSNOW
• 1989-12-08 Sold (Public Records) $61,000 Public Records
• 1980-06-06 Sold (Public Records) $24,000 Public Records

Property tax history

+4.1%/yr

Latest (2025): $3,131 · +0.0% YoY. Source: county tax records.