I'm not against hiring people without a solid estimate for the whole project but then it just means the work is paid based on an hourly / daily rate and I get daily updates on the progress and I watch them very very closely.

Hey @Sharad Bagri,For cash-flowing small multifamily rentals in Columbus and Dayton, consider these areas:In Columbus:* Northland: Diverse community with solid investment potential.* Southeast Columbus: Dense suburban feel, popular with families and young professionals.* Old North Columbus: Urban-suburban mix, appealing to young professionals.In Dayton:* Patterson Park: Well-maintained with a strong community vibe.* Northridge Estates: Suburban area with various amenities, ideal for renters.* Walnut Hills: Quiet and community-oriented, great for rental stability.Areas to Approach with Caution:* Columbus: Some sections of Hilltop and Linden due to higher crime rates.* Dayton: Certain parts of West Dayton, which face economic challenges.Focusing on due diligence in these neighborhoods can help you identify stable, cash-flowing opportunities.

(I don't believe in the 9-5 rat race) I have good contracts, a solid book of contacts for dispo, a decent understanding of the industry, I'm just really struggling with finding leads.

Mentees need to step up their game and make the offer to those who can help them.That is also solid advice.

I’ve been exploring various strategies to land a solid rental property, and I’m particularly interested in trying mortgage assumption for this one.I’m currently looking at a property listed at $350K.

@Tenzin Lhanzey a duplex is a solid place to start; there are dozens on/off market in minneapolis. 

It's not a good strategy to scale IMO, but it is often a good strategy to help you build a solid foundation for your portfolio and then use those properties as leverage so you can scale.

Is this a solid strategy?

I agree with @Gary Swank that it is very important to have a solid team in place when working from out of the area.

I accept them and mitigate the risk by (a) screening the animals, (b) having a solid set of rules that are quickly and fairly enforced, (c) regular inspections, especially for cat units, and (d) charging a monthly pet fee.Let's say I have five single-family homes.