Starting local offers hands-on experience and control, ideal for learning the ropes, while out-of-state investments can provide better returns but require a reliable property manager.

Once you hit a certain number of loans (check with your state dept of banking and finance or dept of business regulation), they might require you to have a license.

Figure out market rents, deduct expenses to determine NOI, deduct cashflow you want, plug remainder into mortgage calc at current interest rate, then add lender's required down payment.That is how much you offer!

They were seeking secondary homes for their family that could be rented to help offset costs and didn't require an immediate or transferrable permit.

If so I would thoroughly ready this to see what they require and what you agreed to.I doubt you can keep your permit if you refuse their inspection.If you are doing everything as you should, you shouldn't have anything to worry about.

So I’m trying to come up with a game plan  Conventional loans do require 25% down on an investment property.

You are particularly interested in short-term and long-term rentals, promising ROI, and locations with a mix of affordability and growth opportunities.Being willing to move and live in a part of a 1-4 unit property will help you get better financing, for sure, and require less down.

Have a picture of your family actually installing a big fancy door.And of course, I assume that you are licensed/bonded/imsured as required by your local laws?

Canton is not quite as bad, although they have increased annual fees and initial inspection requirements in the past few years that Akron never put in place. 

Please, no solicitations.Use the renovation/acquisition loan products that require 10% down on the purchase and you should be able to get a few going at a time.