I mean drive up and down the Eastern part of the state until you find an area that has not been completely discovered.

Can provide more info as needed.You may be able to expense if out if you qualify for Safe Harbour.

Note investing is super safe, with no risk at all, because it is a note.  

Steve: If you are going to bid on an Ohio Common Pleas Court  foreclosure, the process is pretty safe because the foreclosing lender has to include a "PJR" which is actually a "Preliminary Judicial Report" which is a title report and include a commitment for title insurance should the bidder be successful and the property to be conveyed.This differs from a liquidation auction by a lender, private auctioneer, receiver (other than an actual foreclosure case) where you might be successful but the property has pre existing liens that don't get swept away by the foreclosure case.For your first one of these, get a lawyer to advise you.

They don’t want to drive more than an hour each way every day.

Stay persistent and keep moving forward.And here’s something I’ve learned the hard way: When you're looking at deals, be thorough and cautious with your numbers and always plan for unexpected costs—it'll keep you on the safe side.

I would recommend doing a "reduced" (~60%-70%) leverage refinance which would help drive your rate down as much as possible and hopefully still maintain the cash flow that you would like to have, especially since they are free and clear.If you were to go the portfolio route, I would confirm with the lender you use what their 'occupancy requirement' is.

As long as you have the knowledge, drive, and a great/qualified team to work with, you can find success in most places.

Being a former college athlete has always made me dedicated to what drives me each and everyday.

If so, and it drives the bids up in price I'll be sure to send him a thank you note!!