I obviously want to get the best tax benefits and write off the expenses for the house and repairs I have done.

I'm asking because last year I bought an inventory home in Cypress TX that had a $10k discount, however the appraised value of the house came out to be the same as the discounted price :)  

I've always been interested in finance but housing had always been a rather boring investment.

I'd sell every Cleveland house and put your money in a better market. just my 2 cents as someone from ohio and who lived in columbus for 12 years

Buyer go to open house directly.

You can also start exploring a house hack to utilize the lower DP

I have a contract on a house in Phoenix AZ with a value of $500,000 and a mortgage of $288,000 to be taken subto.

Sorry for the slow response had a wedding to prepare for at my house and just in recovery after being in the hospital.

If you are willing to do the work, the landlord can often be the first point of contact with housing assistance.

@Keith Mintz Will you be running the house or leasing to a company that does sober living.