-A water heater issue resulted in repeated mismanagement—confusing unit assignments—leading to extra costs to fix the same issue 3 times and on each occasion "more fixes" needed to the water heaters that I plumber said was needed.

Others rely on networking... hooking up with probate or divorce attorneys who sometimes have leads on properties that aren’t widely marketed.If you decide to hire a property manager in the Jasper area, maybe chat with a few owners who’ve used them.

Focusing solely on numbers often leads to the purchase of low-quality properties.

They also want a priority lien on the property.It sounds like you are looking for someone to fund your down payment, I would be looking for an equity partner over debt as nobody likes to lend money in insecure positions, especially when a borrower lacks skin in the game.How much are you planning to come in with yourself?

I’ve been working probate leads here in San Diego for some time and your words are right on point…lot of time for sometimes little to no return. 

Do you get a lot of leads on Furnished Finder?

Changes to local landlord/tenant laws and new situations involving tenants lead to these annual updates.

The main factor is will rents cover the debt liability and can you sustain 3-4 months of no income to cover the debt? 

I'm sure there are great, stable areas in Columbus but I'm not convinced the appreciation has been as strong as most would lead you to believe.I don't know much about Cincinnati, but one glance at the median list price over the past 5 years (attached below) would be enough for me to write it off as not appreciating.I'm personally partial to Detroit and that's where I invest and do a lot of business with other folks as well.

I know a broker who spends like 20k - 30k per year in buying leads, paying for blast emails, buying lists of names of investors, etc.I like to meet people on the personal level first, I feel like people are way more responsive if at first I help them by answering questions, or offering advice, provide them with incite, etc.Most people do not know what they are getting into in those first deals, which is why we hear so many nightmare stories.