What strategies should I employ in these negotiations to ensure the partnership is equitable and beneficial for both parties?

Depending on how much you want to invest into your choice of property, Jim Wise is knowledgeable about the Cleveland area.

However, sharing your intentions with your realtor can be beneficial.

A 1031 is not a choice unless your you know something negative about your property not present in the target.

My last loan was for 9.25%, so if I had my choice I would leave it in my personal name and up my insurance on it. 

To get the underwriting based on solely a new appraisal, you'll need a ton of evidence - enough to convince an underwriter or risk officer who gets to make the call purely on internal company policy and not tied to conventional or govt published guidelines.All this being said, if you're already at a 1.0x with the current appraisal for the loan amount you want, going to 1.1x or 1.25x would only be marginally beneficial unless your lender wants 1.25x for some reason. 1.0x is generally enough to fund for most investors at or below 70-75% LTV.

I personally think out-of-state investing is a top choice.

Many seem to be using the retired GC's when looking to bring on a qualified individual; beneficial for both sides.

Quote from @Simon Ashbaugh: Hey Geoffrey, Cleveland is an excellent choice!

With a non-spouse inherited IRA you have (up to) 4 choices:-Cash it all out now-Cash it all out over 5 years-Take required minimum distributions based on your life-Take required minimum distributions based on the life expectancy of the oldest beneficiary of the inherited IRAEach of those options has different tax implications.