Location in Cincinnati: Since you're relatively new to Cincinnati, it might be helpful to consult with a local real estate agent who has a deep understanding of the area.

You can make markets and put bids that get hit and 12-15 years from now those are the deep value buys. 

Here in VA there are a lot of very deep value or abandoned multifamily buildings.

People always forget about something that throws a red flag and if you can't prove that your original intention was to occupy the house as a primary residence, then it is mortgage fraud.

There are a number of red flags for the tenant you are considering - the bankruptcy, the charge offs - all of those indicate they aren't handling their finances well - and YOUR RENT is about to become the biggest part of their future finances... so that should give you (and your mother) pause.  

Your relationships you build will bring way more deals that random wholesalers who misrepresent the entire process to the sellers and daisy chain a game of telephone 8 deep on a property.

I don't do much "creative" financing cause time is wasted dealing through gatekeepers/agents, I do my creativity usually by buying deep or making a market for someone needy.

if you think it's expensive to hire a professional, wait until you hire an amateur," ---Red AdairBest to you!

Additionally youll want a deep bench of backups in case your regular service providers fall through.

For me personally I could / would never live in FLA or anywhere in the Deep south because of the humidity and how flat the terrain is.. although I would live in Charleston thats the only place for my personal choice..