So I have decided to pursue becoming an agent as a foundational part of my real estate investing education.Any recommendations for sponsoring brokers or licensure education in the Cincinnati area?

I know I can have the utilities in the tenants name when I'm done house hacking, so that's less expenses on my end.I may have little to no cash flow while house hacking, and I'm wondering if this would be a good deal to pursue?

Nevertheless, we’ll keep looking for a great deal that would outweigh the penalties and we’ll be comfortable pursuing that route.

The property was recently transferred to my sisters name and it appears that the tenant and her lawyer are no longer pursuing this.

It also allows you to not spend all your money in that deal and have a ability to pursue another opportunity if one arises before your rehab is done.You will spend a lot more in a hard money loan. but it is worth it if you are able to pursue another deal because you still have cash to available or you just really don't want all your cash tied up.

This definitely gives me more confidence to pursue the safer option right now--at least to start out and get my feet wet first before taking something bigger with more risks. 

My gut tells me that you'll eliminate a number of possible good opportunities using this method.Alternative: Investors with expertise in certain markets can quickly determine whether or not a property is worth pursuing based on its price per 1 bed unit, 2 bed unit, etc. 

My goal is to obtain $70,000 in passive income with a long term buy and hold strategy withing the next 10 years.I want to achieve this so that I can comfortably travel the world and gain life experiences, spend more time with friends and family, and pursue any other goals or interests without having to rely on a full time job.

Never let distance stop you from pursuing a deal.

@Michael Minton, I don't see this as a deal worth pursuing.