This will help you close deals faster.Focus on marketing and lead generation to find motivated sellers—direct mail, driving for dollars, and online marketing all work well here.Know your numbers—being able to accurately assess the value of properties and make solid offers is key.Network with other investors and professionals—attend local REI meetups, connect with title companies, and build relationships with hard money lenders.Feel free to reach out if you ever want to chat more or exchange ideas!

I would choose the strategy that best fits your strengths (unfair advantages) and what the market in your area demands.

Cleveland is a great market, but hopefully my warning here will help you avoid the headaches I endured.

I have a STR in Truckee that has done very well and I am looking for another STR, was thinking of the Sacramento market but I hear conflicting info on the permit process and the ability to rent it out for more than 90 days a year as a STR. 

Prior to viewing with clients, I am usually have an idea of the general area, vacany rates, market rents, and property types that suitable for LTR.

Cheapest marketing model I’ve put together.

Many of these lenders allowing 2nds behind them are more expensive capital (10's - 13's in our current market [high rates - but now showing signs of coming down]).

Any tips for navigating the competition in such a hot market?

You can arguably make it work in any market.

Additionally, forming a new LLC may require obtaining a new EIN and business bank account.This post does not create a CPA-Client relationship.