How is Cleveland market? 

I have been narrowing down some markets and trying to explore/research more and network.

There are only 2 ways, as I see it in the current market, to get actual income/cash flow from a rental property - a paid off long term/mid term property or a well bought short term or rent by the room rental.

@Abigail Kingprimarily off market although, i've started to engage on on-market deals if i think they will fitvery difficult to find

Thus more marketable.  

The best way to learn the multifamily market is to purchase a multifamily property.

This is my market and I live and work in 78610.

The issue I see is that market has historical appreciation below average (not bad, but slightly poor).  

If you just take the 13,835 financed at 6% you are adding 83 dollars a month. so a double whammy.Now, lets consider if rates drop to 5.5% in 24 months (not a prediction just a what if) and you could have refinanced at a much lower costs then the above scenario in what you paid in pre-paid and additional interest. on the other hand, if rates for your same scenario after your 5 year payback period is 9, then you will have an asset with a much lower then current market rent.  

Those states could be nearby in your market area.