Any recommendations on key cities / towns within Ohio / Indiana that I should continue to research to further narrow my focus?

It can also work if you're planning to do an option, assignment, or double closing, because you're not taking on the risk of holding the property for an extended period, but if things continue slowing down (thank you, high interest rates), you'll want to be very careful about how much you're offering, especially if you stick to the straight flipping model, where you take title to the property and don't make any improvements to force appreciation.

Total still owed $13,600 (rent, late fees, legal fees) and $550 for the locksmith.Place reeks of pot, she had her adult son, who by the paystubs left behind only made $152 a month and spent his days laying on the couch (which reeked of pot) smoking and playing x-box (abandoned and power supply cut up). 

Be patient. these are mid-term plays, so you must be prepared to go without the cash for several years.

Clearly, he’s not just playing in the STR game; he’s changing the rules.This was a recent feature from our weekly STR newsletter here at BiggerPockets is called BiggerStays.

The risk seemed zero, but it still happened (city poor maintenance played a role).- because people should be compassionate.

Use those tools they will play nicely in this industry as well.If you ever want a Hard Money tutorial or tips on markets or how to identify a good project then just PM me.

As my real estate portfolio has grown over the years both in terms of the number, types and location of the properties, including across states, I have continued to use my own designed excel worksheets to track records and prepare reports, including for tax purposes.However, my worksheets have now become cumbersome and more time consuming to manage.

You keep the note in play and you do a second . 

I'm still a little gun shy about it, but I'm glad that things are better for you and it does help to encourage me to continue considering it.