Quote from @Rory Darcy: Hi guys my name is rory, pretty new to this im an out of state investor residing in new york, looking to invest in wisconsin and illinois, currently looking to build my portfolio around multi family duplexes or single family residencies, would be great to connect with like minded investors or agents who can lend a hand.Rookie investors should not invest out of state.

Residency StatusWhile stationed in Germany, you qualify as a resident, which makes securing a mortgage easier.Even if you're not a resident, many German banks will lend to non-German citizens who can demonstrate financial stability.2.

As long as your intentions are clear and honest, you should be fine.

I am pretty sure you can not do a 1031 and use the proceeds to do anything to a primary residence.

Interest rates and cap rates change, competition changes, your PM ends up being horrible, lots of variables.Just to throw you a monkey wrench, in your killer spreadsheet does it include the credit score, income, and employer of every resident? 

I was looking for some advice (viable target areas in Cleveland or Ohio in general, financing options and credible PM/realtor contacts) from the experts here though especially if you are in a similar boat as mine (reside in Canada/Ontario area and invest in US). 

Looking to find duplex or something along those lines to reside in and then eventually move upward.

To be honest, we are good to them and they are good to us.

I guess I could do some work-arounds -- maybe reserve one unit in the first purchase for use as an AirBnb, and reserve my own time in it when needed - instead of claiming it as a primary.Are either of you (or anyone) familiar with a finance product/loan that will allow me to purchase under $150,000 (w/ strong credit) and do much of my own work and live-in a portion as a primary residence?  

Regarding inspection, I am honestly not sure.