Cleveland is low income, VERY low.

However, you'll likely be able to put more money in your pocket if your reducing your living expenses in a HCOL area.

One of my early properties barely broke even, but after a couple of years, rent hikes and expense optimization turned it into a strong performer.For cash flow benchmarks, I usually aim for $200-$300 per unit, but your situation.. house hacking.. offers unique benefits like reduced living expenses and quicker equity buildup.

I'd also suggest considering a partnership if you feel comfortable with that in order to reduce the risk completely on you. 

There are two large community pools, which are heated during the cooler months, tennis and pickle ball courts.The minimum STR period has been reduced from a year to six months.

Depreciation can be applied to the investment portion, reducing taxable income.

Consider starting with a few lower-cost flips with a smaller loan-to-value ratio to reduce financial strain.Market Research: Sacramento can be volatile, so I’d recommend keeping a pulse on local trends—particularly in the neighborhoods that have potential for growth but haven’t quite hit their peak yet.

Not only low-flow, the flushing mechanism reduces the likelihood of clogs.  

and I'm still sitting here trying to figure out how I can classify all my income as tips.

@Tinia JamesIf you receive a 1099 showing income from one of your deals, you have to file a Schedule C to report that income.