we are preparing a map of the zip codes, similar to the one in Memphis, TN (murder capital of the US) to allow us to concentrate in areas that are conducive to invest.

If you had 100k to Invest, which zip codes/cities would you do it in?

Look at real estate professional status closely, this area of the tax code(section 469) is where I think If you worked with the right real estate-focused accountant you could save 100s of thousands of dollars. 

Section 2113.48 - Ohio Revised Code | Ohio Laws

Ask about the maintenance history.Units: Visit as many individual units as possible to assess their condition and note any necessary repairs or updates.Structural Issues: Be vigilant about signs of water damage, mold, or pests, which could indicate larger problems.Safety Compliance: Verify that the property meets all local safety and building codes, including fire alarms, extinguishers, and emergency exits.Financial and Operational AspectsRent Roll: Request a detailed rent roll to understand current rents, lease terms, and tenant occupancy.Expenses: Get a breakdown of all operating expenses, including utilities, maintenance, insurance, property management fees, and taxes.Income Verification: Ask for historical income statements (preferably 12 months or more) to verify the revenue.Vacancy Rates: Inquire about the historical and current vacancy rates and how they compare to the market average.Tenant Profile: Understand the tenant mix, including residential versus commercial tenants, lease lengths, and tenant turnover rates.Property Management: Find out if the property is currently managed by a professional management company and if you will retain or replace them.Legal and ComplianceZoning Laws: Ensure the property complies with current zoning laws and inquire about any zoning changes that may affect the property.Rent Control: Determine if the property is subject to rent control or other regulations that could impact income.Permits and Licenses: Check that all necessary permits and licenses are up to date.Value-Add PotentialRenovation Opportunities: Identify areas where you could add value through renovations or upgrades.Rent Increases: Assess the potential for increasing rents based on market rates and property improvements.Additional Income: Explore opportunities for additional income streams, such as laundry facilities, parking fees, or storage rentals.Environmental ConsiderationsEnvironmental Hazards: Check for any environmental issues like asbestos, lead paint, or underground storage tanks.Flood Zones: Verify if the property is in a flood zone and the implications for insurance and risk.Questions to Ask the SellerReason for Selling: Understand the seller’s motivation to gauge the urgency and possible negotiation points.Recent Repairs and Improvements: Ask about any recent capital expenditures and future planned repairs.Tenant Relations: Inquire about the relationship with tenants and any ongoing disputes or issues.Due DiligenceProfessional Inspection: Hire a professional inspector to conduct a thorough examination of the property.Appraisal: Obtain an independent appraisal to verify the property’s market value.Legal Review: Have a real estate attorney review all contracts, leases, and legal documents related to the property.By covering these aspects, you’ll be in a stronger position to make an informed decision about your potential investment.

I quickly identified the tasks in my day-to-day that could be automated and learned how to do so, I think nowadays you don't even need to code to do that, but being in real estate means being highly adaptive to a dynamic environment, so having the knowledge of automating your business is very useful..

As for the rental, generally, we'll need to register with the city and they might come with inspection (happened twice to us) so make sure that the conversion is up to code and the list of the requirements are met. 

You might want to consider Quincy also and Malden for more price friendly zip codes but still being close to Boston and transit. 

Liens that remain generally are unpaid taxes, and involuntary liens including but not limited to code enforcement, unregistered permits, unpaid utilities, etc 

You could also try leaving 1 garage and making less massive master suite but check local code on shard wall with garage.