I really see Columbus Ohio as an extremely safe bet for the next 10-20 years.

I would like to focus on the safer nicer neighborhoods or even cities in the Metropolitan area of Cleveland.

I think its not a terrible idea at all and should be pretty good idea actually.I'd recommending reading this "House Hacking" book from the BP Bookstore as your best bet for next step and understanding this process!

I take it that it's safer to just assume that any letter from or call from a random number is most likely some kind of rip off?   

You bet!

It might help pay for your expenses if you house hack but I bet the number of markets a 3.5% down payment is cash flowing has shrunk significantly over the past 2 years.

I didn't stick around to see it sell but I'm betting it went to the plaintiff.Here's a question... if you could successfully line up financing in the period between the sheriff's sale and the confirmation hearing, could you close with bank financing?

Talking to a local like Greg will always be your best bet.

On the other hand, you can produce a similar return (or better) by shifting the money to another market that is safer for landlords.

And, I'm willing to bet that most landlords don't do much better than a 10% annual return on their funds.