I'm familiar with the Greenville area, having lived in North Carolina for a few years.

@Isaac TerryIn terms of it being worthwhile, just like most other markets out of state if the barrier or entry is too high where you live, the landlord laws are not favorable where you live, and you are looking for positive cashflow then Cleveland can be a good option.

Living in top unit and renting out the bottom.

After 25 months, If they can prove that they lived in the property for two of the past five years, they can sell it as an owner-occupied residence.

A lot of people go in expecting these programs to completely change their lives. 

I'd highly recommend house hacking in your local market since you're in one of the highest cost of living areas in the US, especially if you're renting currently and planning on staying in the area for 5-10 years.It sounds sexy to go out and invest out of state for your first property.

It very well could become a large enough investment to be worthwhile, also solving for "unexpected emergencies ", for the most part and would an easy self management situation if you were to live onsite in one of your connected townhomes.

I live in Portland  Maine , I am new to real estate investing and looking to connect with any local investor.. thank you.

I live in the Newark area.

My wife and I just closed on a duplex in Oakland, but the basement/garage was already converted into a separate living space with a bedroom and bathroom.