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

I also recommend you start looking for a professional property manager, at least until you educate yourself enough to run this solo.

Educate yourself with books, podcasts, and market research, define your goals, and build a team of professionals to support your journey.

The tried and true version is pulling a list of properties whether you're targeting distressed homes or high equity homes in which case you can pull on something like Propstream or Propwire, you can skip trace through them or someone like Prime Tracers which has a pay as you go system. 

Building a rental portfolio that replaces your income takes years and a lot of effort, this is especially true in our high price high interest rate market.You need to have at least a 10 year vision when buying real estate.

True, but (a) they were typically experienced investors, and (b) today's market includes record prices and high mortgage rates, which is a double whammy. 

By preparing for down payments, understanding realtor fees, and partnering with experienced lenders and legal professionals, you can make a sound investment in a secure and thriving real estate market.Take advantage of this opportunity to turn your housing allowance into long-term equity.

You can be sure they will continue to negotiate for, strategize and advise themselves.If the laws are similar where you are, you should consider if you want someone doing those things for you, and whether you are comfortable going toe-to-toe alone with a licensed professional on a $1.25 million purchase.

You can be assertive and still be nice/professional. 

Readers should seek professional advice.