I met an investor locally who owns a condo in Nature's Hideaway and he became president there even though he doesn't live in the association.

But there's a balance in leverage, too, and too much leverage without adequate cash reserves wipes out many an investor.; 

So naturally I start trying to look in to owner info.

I'd like to do my homework for a year or two while I grow an amount of capital I feel would be adequate to get me started down this road. 

I'd put the sod down, get a different handyman, he doesn't sound to handy, or willing to put down sod.Fall sod usually does well, I did a whole back yard and had the sod company install it, done in a day.Mother nature might be kind and in your favor on this. 

That will come naturally if he sees interest or offers up alternative ideas.  

Any granite/natural stone budget recommendation around Cleveland?

It just does and its because of human nature.

I feel that I am adequately competent at analyzing properties for a wholesale deal that results in a rehab flip but much less competent at understanding how to properly  analyze deals that are more suited for the buy and hold investor.  

I've been brainstorming for a while now and maybe it's just a natural aversion to risk, but it seems like the only option is to hold where I am and get back financial footing before moving on to the next purchase.Any help is appreciated!