What would you recommend?

If not, I do not recommend sheriff sales as a first attempt.

Would you recommend the power dialer on podio?

I'd recommend starting with the lower hanging fruit than a large basement reno - if your comps are close but don't quite get you to your number.Finishing the basement (with proper egress) could push you over the top, but confirm with an appraiser first to ensure it counts.

Are there any other neighborhoods you recommend?

Would you like recommendations on resources or contracts?

Any recommendations of a good realtor who understands the needs of an out-of-state investor who works the Lorain area of OH would greatly be appreciated.

Any recommendations? 

.--- Another lawsuit resulted from owner's contractor taking down basement handrail to get supplies down the steps, then they didn't put it back and tenant fell down the stairs.- We also negotiate a reasonable completion date, depending on the Scope Of Work (SOW). --- Who gets all the phone calls and wastes time calming a tenant down because the owner's contractor doesn't show up as scheduled after they took time off from work or a 3 day job takes 3 weeks?

BiggerPockets also has a calculator to analyze deals, and I highly recommend you start this as soon as possible, even if you are not ready to buy.