Additionally, the STR market is quite oversaturated right now as well

How well does your property cash flow?

If you haven't checked the market for homes with "inlaw suites" or whatever your market equivalent is that can be a way to get it done as well. 

@Allen Duan please send to me as well.

Hey Themis - I used a similar strategy in my first year investing in Cleveland, focusing on the BRRRR method with SFRs, and it worked well.

Here are pockets I focus on for cash flow:West side - West boulevard, Cudell, Clark-Fulton, Jefferson, Bellaire-Puritas, Old BrooklynEast side - Fairfax, Buckeye-Shaker (the north side), Waterloo Arts District, Garfield Heights, Maple Heights, Newburgh Heights, Lee-Miles (the north side), BedfordHere are the areas that I focus on for appreciation:West side - Lakewood, Edgewater, Old Brooklyn, Ohio City, Tremont (above 490)East side - Buckeye-Shaker (the north side), Waterloo Arts District, Fairfax*I have a graded neighborhood map of these areas as well if you would like to check it out.

DealMachine and direct mail can work well, but consistency is key.

It also includes managing your existing investment well to ensure you aren't bleeding money due to bad tenants, excess maintenance, etc. 

I would go as-is as well!

If you can find an investment that pays for itself, you won't be so nervous about investing.I also recommend you educate yourself on how to manage well.