Another Newbie living in San Diego interested in Ohio

[Sonya A.]

1. Hi everyone. My name is Sonya Aqili and I live in beautiful San Diego. I have been interested off and on in real estate since 2008, but felt the time wasnt right /  didnt have funds. Ha.... I don't even own my own residential property but I have been looking for a condo to buy here in over priced San Diego. I had my own business up until recently when I joined the rat race again. I immediately thought ..... What have I done???? I love the fact that I dislike my job because it motivates me to do something I may never do otherwise : )
2. I'm a single mom and cannot relocate now as my son is in high school and I don't feel it's appropriate to move him. I would have to be a long distance investor and I know many believe that is not a good idea.
3. I've been lurking and listening to podcasts for sometime now and keep hearing over and over that I need to get off my ..... And DO SOMETHING... 

I am interested in investing in Akron, Youngstown, and Dayton Ohio. I want to buy and hold for cash flow and these areas seem to be something I can afford. I am interested in multi families (2-4 units) and have been looking near the University of Akron near the hospital. Something in the 50k range that doesn't need to much rehab.  

I will admit I am a little scared to do it, but I have to ...... otherwise my brain will never let me rest. Anyway, I just wanted to say hello and introduce myself. This networking will be a bit of a challenge for me since I'm a bit introverted. I also want to thank everyone for the knowledge they share to all us lurkers. : )

[Zach Zimmer]

Hi Sonya,

Yes taking the first steps can be daunting, especially across the country.  I myself think that would be too large an effort without some local support.  I think one key would be to attract a "property manager" to occupy one of the units in the multi.

If you want some advice on akron suburbs, contractors, or a local realtor PM me.

Best of luck!

Zach