BiggerPockets also has a calculator to analyze deals, and I highly recommend you start this as soon as possible, even if you are not ready to buy.

Are there alternative strategies you’d recommend for this market or nearby markets which are of commuting distance to Danbury?

Since it is your first I would say all the above are great recommendations. 

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

I am open to any past stories, recommendations or advice?

I recommend browsing Airbnb in your target zip codes to see what’s trending on the front page—this can give you valuable insights into what’s working well.

What are your thoughts on Cleveland as a place to begin investing and What areas would you recommend I begin looking at?

I have purchased the following books:ABCs of Buying Rental Property The ABCs of Property Management The ABCs of Real Estate Investing The Advanced Guide to Real Estate InvestingThe Book on Investing in Real Estate with No (and Low) Money DownWhat order do you recommend reading them in?

I would recommend opening up a brokerage account with Schwab, Fidelity, Vanguard or any other large firm like this. 

Some will follow staff recommendations almost all the time .. others will not..