The plan was to buy a warehouse, lay down turf and hard courts and lease the space to local schools and leagues and host tournaments.

Establishing a good local team will be crucial for you. 

From what I have heard, Dayton is a similar market, and you will ALWAYS save money by investing locally by not needing to hire a Property Manager (yet).

Go to BUILD YOUR TEAM at the top of the screen and look for local investors or meetups in your area.

I second all that has been said above - all of those folks referenced have been really helpful to me and have added lots of value to so many BP community members, especially in our local marketplace.

@Grant Shipman Great stuff, I'm a big fan of co-living/rent by room strategy, and I do it here locally in Denver metro, and it is the best strategy in today's market for any house hacker to live for free or make money while living there, but they have to sacrifice personal space.

Are you going to continue your investing locally? 

Choose the Right LocationProximity to Campus: Prioritize properties within walking or biking distance to minimize transportation costs.Safety and Security: Research neighborhood crime rates and local security measures.Access to Amenities: Look for nearby grocery stores, healthcare facilities, and entertainment options.3.

But they are usually a bit expensive I believe.I would also go to your local REIA and ask around there.

Starting with the Right PropertyGiven that this is your first STR and you’re planning to manage remotely, I’d suggest focusing on a market with a strong local infrastructure for short-term rentals—like Panama City Beach or Destin.