Hi James,I personally don't have enough experience to answer your question, but there is some helpful stuff in a similar discussion here: http://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/52/topics/1779...You will find related discussions to any forum discussion you are reading at the bottom of each forum discussion page, and they can often help you find posts that answer your question.  

I would personally use some of that equity and get started with your first property.

This reminds me of a police officer  pulling somebody over without reasonable cause and asking to search their vehicle and if the person does not consent, they’re saying you must have something to hide.

Trust me, I have been there.I suggest you try to House hack in cities that you are already familiar with and have some connection with.Hire a great investor agent in that market and ask them all your questions and concerns.That I believe is the best way to get personalized advice tailored to your goals and lifestyle.You giving out Cleeveland and Toledo on your post will only attract biased opinions and advise.Only you know what you truly like, want, and can deal with.As Nicolas said, read this post and comments and hope that gives you a new perspective. https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/12/topics/1215726-break...https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/963/topics/1195280-expe...https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/48/topics/1137397-balti...Goodluck and keep us posted.

I know one person that did this recently and was able to negotiate no money down and 12% over 5 years but this was probably in the mid west.

Most states require them to produce a report with that data to give to the client.So why is having an algorithm look at the rental data illegal, but an individual person look at the data not?

@Steffany Boldrini As a lesson to other people hiring interior decorators online, can you please tell everyone what caution flags should have told you not to hire this person?

Out of all the tools I would personally suggest Pricelabs for sure.

I’d love to discuss how I could help the organization by purchasing it and restoring it to productive use.”Request a Meeting: Ask for a meeting with the person or committee responsible for property management.

When I had arrived I found out that this guy had one truck, his own personal vehicle that doubled as his work vehicle.. and some personal tools.