Summit county (Akron) has a much lower sales tax rate (6.75%) than Cleveland (Cuyahoga at 8%).The MLS in Akron shows homes at similar if not cheaper homes but for a good reason.

If you were financing a property that netted $300 after principle, interest, taxes, and insurance (PITI), and say your rent was $1,200 a month.

The technicals (migration rates, job growth, tax situation, debt cost, etc) to work as well.

He wanted me to paypal him 750 so that he would send the 20k needed to bridge the gap in the loan.The easiest way to spot a red flag is to start with going through a title company. hopefully you did nto give this person your social security number or other private information.

@Megan HerringtonBigger Pockets is a great place to find a real estate tax accountant. 

The customer feature also links to the project feature if you want to make use of that eventually.This structure works great for our clients and their tax pros.

That immediate tax savings in the new property is better than the infinite tax deferral of the 1031 exchange.Some questions:1) why use an irrevocable trust?

In addition to other tax strategies like a cost segregation study on the fully rented out house.

Pretty much the same except you don't own it and would need consent to make changes.Also the owner gets all the tax benefits as they are the owner. 

If you need financial help, ask under the "Finance, Tax, and Legal" forum.