You can learn about all the creative financing and almost no money down strategy among other things. 10k is a lot of money so use it wisely.

At Holton-Wise we get 5-6 leads a week coming in on the website from investors from the above mentioned markets looking to invest in Cleveland and we always ask them "why Cleveland?"

Check with James Wise on here.

As for Edgewood, you'll find mostly single-family homes (that yuppies tend to rent out with roommates):A-class 3/2 going for $600K and upB-class 3/2 going for $350K and upGrowth-wise, Edgewood home prices have grown about 150% over the last 5 years.

I work a full-time job but would like to spend the next 5-10 years studying hard and learning more to put myself in a position where I can invest wisely (and be diversified, of course) in real estate.  

@Clayton Mobley Thank you for the welcome and the wise words of encouragement and advice!

I've been called that from about 6yo.My personal preference is to start small but not knowing to much about the game here is limiting my view on how far I can make the 200k go without being able to borrow funds (and which market I ultimately choose to invest)I have completed a 2 page business sketch stating that I'm happy with 2-3 projects in the first year as I'm not putting a ton of pressure on myself time wise.

Also, based on your experiences, does this seem like a wise investment for my REI goals, or am I running headlong into trouble?

She had checked out good, job & credit wise, but had personal issues that you can't screen for.

I think it is wise to start with your credit union.