I’m a 41-year-old father of six who loves the Lord and is driven by a desire to build a better future for my family through real estate.I own a small tile installation business, am a certified insurance agent, and am currently in the process of obtaining my real estate license.

With the exception of some small markets in the Southeast, places like Cleveland are the only major metro areas where a regular investor can find cash-flowing assets with a mix of appreciation. 

Possible to maybe build one similar to this with an add on for small business owners and REI's. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1xYOKT2eNS588cj6_8jVv2vobAfAhCVUd/htmlview#gid=1221524195

During that time I've often described the multifamily market as a traffic collision at a 4-way intersection where you had (lack of or negative) rent growth coming from one direction, and from the other directions: cap rates, expenses, and interest rates. 

Hoping to go down one of two paths:1- Buy a condo or small single family home and build equity and create value with my maintenance/construction background.2- Find a cash provider to do this on a larger scale with a 3-5 unit building. 

@Brian King If/when you're ready for a small MF, would something like this "float your boat", https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/1710-Liber...?

Go to small local/regional banks NOT national ones.

It allows you to use a small fraction of your own money.

You don't need a mortgage broker, just a reputable, competent direct lender that will ask the important questions upfront to properly screen your deal.

Vacant SFH, absentee owner, 100% equityYou send a direct mail or postcard asking the seller how much they want for their property.