I came across this Ted Talk by Rory Sutherland that explains how advertising creates perceived value as opposed to actual value for a product.http://www.ted.com/talks/rory_sutherland_life_less...Understanding the power of perceived value is crucial for parties on both sides of an advertised deal.

The only way I would pick one of these up to try and resell would be if I was literally getting it for, like you said, next-to-nothing and even at that I would do an option agreement as opposed to buying it outright. 

You are lucky she is showing her true colors now when you can potentially do something about it as opposed to when she has already moved in.The "I try to help people out" approach to rental real estate rarely works. 

And I was wondering if buying this duplex as a NON owner occupant and learning how to manage a property without living there, is a better way to start as opposed to getting an FHA loan on a triplex or fourplex?

@Travis Lloyd Definitely multi-family rentals as opposed to single family rentals in Middletown. 

I'm not opposed to that or any other market.

I am not opposed to trying a flip here in this area as well.

I have great credit and no debt with approximately $200k to use for down payments.Leaning toward a duplex or triplex as opposed to single family and looking for advice on how to get started.Working with a real estate agent who is experience

This seems like an equity crowdfunding scheme combined with an ICO as opposed to a real estate investment (these forums are mostly about direct REI/management/RE sales). 

But, if there are good deals up there maybe I should expand my horizons and venture into the north.If I can ask, what drew you to Ohio as opposed to the rest of the United States?