Additionally, I'm banking on a future opportunity to refinance.After less than a year, here are a few tips from what I’ve learned:*Hire a local STR expert real estate agent to guide your investment location.

Attend every local REI MeetUp you can.

It would be local for you.  

More important than identifying target areas is establishing relationship with a local investor-friendly professional who has personal experience in investing in Cleveland.

Instead you will cash flow right out of the gate and appreciation is faster in those states with TLC properties or adding things like an ADU, or Carriage home on a bigger lot.Most of my investors that live in CA purchase in those states listed above and in most cases its easy to introduce them to local Seasoned realtors Contractors, Handy Men/Women that can help them save money and feel secure about the distance from home to REI.

Start networking with local agents and investors for insights, and talk to a lender to get pre-approved to understand your budget.

You can also search for local FB groups that specialize in longer term stays.

Beyond that, real estate is largely local; in my market we are not seeing anywhere near those numbers.

I would consider the tenant's past, as well as the condition of the unit, my local market, and other factors.

Talk to your local building department for the codes they follow and requirement(s).