The time has come for me to start investing in real estate and before doing so i'm looking to build a strong and dedicated team of partners: agents, lenders, contractors and property managers mainly in the Cleveland area (but also open to markets within a 2-3 hr drive away) that already possess an excellent track record in their line of work and that value long term collaboration.

The #1 reason that Landlords fail, according to the American Apartment Owners' Association, is the landlord's failure to manage to the lease.  

Now we're seeing investors pouring money into buying Class C rentals - but, many are getting burned.In our experience & opinion, the main determinant of property Class is not location or even property condition, those are #2 and #3.

-how is management split among you, PadSplit and any other third parties?

I was one of the few lucky ones with Safeguard as I was able to take over the management of the loan and modify it and then got a payoff.

I used to help manage 30+ STRs in the city with a McSwain Management.

Heck it's so good I could manage a loss for a few months but I really think the cash on cash return will be 10% + first year and 20%+ 2nd year. 

(I'm in LA and they're located in Riverside).

Cash flow depends on the down payment, but using a HELOC could keep your cash reserves intact while you get started.Make sure to build a reliable team (property managers, agents, etc.) to help you manage the property while working full-time. 

Low or no down, seller financing and low or no interest with a balloon payment later is the holy grail (location, building condition, market also matter but it sounds like you have all that).