The hang up is getting deals formally drawn up.One idea:- I buy the property and pay 25% DP, then they provide capital after the closing and I pay them P&I over 5-10 years.

What type of properties are you looking to buy?

So, I kept going back and buying things for my girlfriend until he sold it to me.

Hey @Mike Nelson, never assume anything about STR rules and regs.Here is the STR rules for Oak Park - https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/oakparkil/latest/oakpa...I would call the city and make sure it is legal for a specific property.Now regarding the famous person angle, sure it can add value to the property or as a STR, but for STR use, I would think you would need it to be in original condition with a lot of the furniture and knick-knacks that were owned by the famous person along with a bunch of photos etc featuring the famous person.If you buy a place that has been totally redone but was owned by someone famous but has no features or things that were theirs, then I don't see it being a draw. 

So if 3 siblings all buy a house together and all live in it when they sell up to $750k can be excluded.If married only one person needs to meet the ownership requirement-but both must meet the use requirement. 

And your net worth will thank you.If you still want to go ahead, you'd be better off buying a house than an apartment because, while the value of the building itself will go to 0, you'll still have the value of the land, bearing in mind that the land might actually lose value too given the depopulation and the yen depreciation.Sorry if I'm pooping a party but make sure you understand what you're getting into (which you're already doing by asking the forum) and then make the decision that's right for you according to your objectives.

Would also love to connect with experienced Cleveland rental investors.Much Thanks Cleveland is one of the few markets in the USA where buying stuff with the 2% rule is still feasible in 2023.

Duplex can always add additional units via the ADU laws. 8) Related to number 1, purchasing a property with an existing ADU is cheaper than buying a property and adding an ADU.

Personally when buying rentals I tend to buy in neighborhoods that I feel like I wouldn't personally mind living in and when I look for tenants I try to look for people that not only pass my screening but also I personally don't dislike.  

Investment Info:Other buy & hold investment.