However, the road block I face is getting to a point where I think it’s an “ok” deal (meaning it’s not fulfilling the 1% rule, but more like 0.75% and little to no immediate renovation cost/typically a new build townhome) and then I start to question whether I could find a BETTER deal if I just keep looking.

And the idea is that folks that dont know any better assume your on another level or up there with real MLO's and NMLS registered lenders  like myself..

I've spent the better part of 2024 reading up on those markets and learning everything that I can about REI in general - now it's time to dive in and get to it. :)  I would not consider Cleveland a growth market, but we've certainly got some really cheap properties. 

I didn't receive the full rent which was owed, but it was better than nothing.

I am in the Indy area and would like to better network.

They offer better economies of scale and tend to be more manageable as you grow your portfolio.

Is anything getting better? 

U will never get a dime of rent and you are going to have to probably do as you stated find your own attorney.. its better to leave property vacant than to rent to folks that have terrible credit.

Some will say its better to have it in a LLC and the trust own the LLC.

In 2025 does it make sense to build a 4plex and house hack it or is it better to buy existing multi-family?