Ultimately, the best way to learn is by doing so do your homework and get started. 

Interested in knowing which lender you ultimately found, as I am also looking at entering Cleveland market.

@John Faulk Jr if the goal is to ultimately purchase a property in a market outside of your own, I would strongly suggest working with a local realtor in whatever market(s) you are considering.

Ultimately , I’m like you Julie, i prefer to self manage but may have to hire a pm if I go the str route as health issues I’ve been having lately may get in the way.

Ultimately title was cleared but it took a while.

@Matthew MendenhallWhat's your runway looking like before learning all the details can you survive a year with no income and investing in your business with no commissions coming in?  

Ultimately, should the business not succeed or perform as well as you intended, owning a property in a strong location will be attractive to other users that you could choose to sell or lease to yourself.

Ultimately title was cleared but it took a while.

Ultimately the lender will require a personal guarantee from the borrower unless the property qualifies for non recourse financing (which is rare and generally applies to larger transactions than those contemplated or executed upon by BP forum posters).

Ultimately, finding the right investment location requires thorough due diligence and a clear understanding of your investment objectives.