Just a follow up question, were you utilizing debt to invest, I have always been taught since a young age to try and not utilize debt (I come from a family of stock market investors, traditional business owners) where debt is not utilized as frequently which I obviously understand debt can be a very powerful tool and utilized in a great way its just something I want to avoid with my investments to an extent any suggestions for investing without debt or as little as possible. 

It is my understanding that people refinance and then use those funds other ways (personal living, investing, some to buy another property) as a means to minimize tax obligation. 

Again, all answers that might be better answered in private.You are correct that a lot of lenders just don't understand how we work as investors but that's why some of us hang out here. 

If not, understand the risk of taking equity to generate more equity based off your ROI.

  $200/month divides into the $100K initial negative equals 500 months to recover the initial negative equity.Let's double the cash flow to $400/month.  250 months to recover the initial negative equity so over 20 years.Let's reduce the negative equity position to $50K (which likely is less realistic than expecting $400/month cash flow at that rent point), you are at over 10 years to recover the initial equity position.Now let's do it with all cash, no financing.The 50% rule state $900/month cash flow.  900 * 12/200K = $5.4% or about half of lifetime return of S&P 500, or what can almost be achieved with a zero work, zero risk CD.I see no way that someone who understands the numbers will call this a good investment.Note just because an investment is better than most other investments in a market does not imply something is a good investment. 

I think most of horror stories came from people who do not understand how insurance system works.

well I do plan on purchasing a duplex as my first investment and once I complete my Real Estate License during the time of my service I hope to be a lot more knowledgeable and approach SFH's to BRRRR but yes I understand!

I understand that not everyone wants to do that, though.

Toledo's economy has been more reliant on manufacturing, so understanding local economic trends is crucial.Beyond Cleveland and Toledo: You asked about other Ohio cities.

You want a property that has the highest probability of maxing out on appreciation.Once done, you would want to explore the options below to maximize your rental income:- STR- MTR- Rent by RoomYou should go into this understanding YOU will live in the worst unit - in an illegal unit in the basement if you can!