This is how I got started: help another established flipper.

Many big-tech companies have established themselves here or are expanding into the Columbus market.

City is home to seven Fortune 500 companies, including Procter & Gamble, Kroger, and Fifth Third Bancorp.

I'm an experienced investor, agent, and a project manager for an established general contractor, focused mostly on historic preservation, custom homes, and investment properties (flips and holds). 

Hi Michael,I like your thoughts of building a large portfolio because it's very important in sub $100,000 markets like Ohio.A large portfolio = A safe portfolio.Personally, I've always been a big believer in buying with cash.Less is more.Once you gain experience and understanding the true income vs expenses of your portfolio.Then look at using leverage for faster growth.It takes many years to learn a market along with establishing a solid understanding of it's "in's and out's" from a people/team perspective.As investors we should always reverse engineer and protect the bottom line first and foremost before looking toward expansion and growth.My "cash only" mentality has served me well over the years in my businesses and real estate endeavors.Especially when things turned South and they always eventually do.Start slow, start small, buy with cash and build from there.Just my opinion and wishing you much successps.

Like Scott, I think anyone posting here knows the answer, but for the readers I will reiterate.For many established syndicators, retail investors are far more lucrative to the GPs than institutions, in the fees and carried interest they can charge.  

When they are gambling on a completed project, they want to know a battle tested captain is at or along side the wheel. 

Establish Your Goals: Make sure your objectives for house hacking are clear.

we live in Ontario and invest in Detroit and toledo where the numbers are excellent. we have established teams on the ground in both places working without a great team on the ground is a recipe for disaster. more the willing to share what we do and what we have learnt over the years with anyone who wants to chat.

To navigate, network with local real estate groups, build relationships, use online listings, conduct remote due diligence, hire a good property manager, establish trust, and use resources.