What makes Akron, Ohio one of the most underrated markets for long-term real estate investing?

In this episode, John Blackburn and Nate Hall are joined by Steve Yoak, one of the largest single-family home buyers and turnkey providers in the Akron-Canton market. Steve shares how he went from teacher and rental property investor to building a vertically integrated real estate business focused on acquiring, renovating, and managing high-quality investment properties. Drawing from both his personal investing experience and years of operating in Northeast Ohio, he explains why Akron continues to offer strong opportunities for long-term wealth building.

The conversation explores what makes Akron an attractive market, from affordable entry prices and strong rent-to-price ratios to investor-friendly policies, stable employment, and growing infrastructure. Steve also provides an inside look at his acquisition process, renovation standards, property management philosophy, and why replacing major mechanical systems before selling a property helps investors avoid costly surprises down the road.

Whether you’re evaluating turnkey investing for the first time or looking to diversify your rental portfolio in a stable Midwest market, this episode offers practical insights into what creates long-term success in real estate investing.