Being that I am new to real estate, I would like to know what are some key questions or characteristics I should look for in a potential mentor?

Below are location characteristics that indicate whether a location is likely to have significant price and rent growth.Population growth is what drives demand for housing.

No guesswork or gurus is required.SummaryThe location is the most important investment decision you will make, as it determines all long-term income characteristics.

I’m particularly attracted to the financial characteristics of rental properties.I’m looking for any advice I can get to start things off properly.

To achieve financial freedom, you need a passive income that meets three requirements.Inflation compensating: Rental income increases faster than inflation, compensating for rising prices.Persistent income: Your income will last, ensuring that you and your spouse won't outlive it.Reliable income: Your income continues even in difficult economic times.All three requirements depend on the location.What are some of the characteristics of a location that will meet the above requirements?

For example, due to price, physical characteristics, and location, each property only attracts a narrow tenant pool segment.

Banks/financial institutions/servicers have regulatory bodies that hold them accountable for the proper and appropriate servicing characteristics of their portfolio.

I've been looking at some properties to buy that have all of these 3 characteristics.

Are there any special characteristics in Ohio that needs to be understood?  

If you are going to purchase in a class C neighborhood do so in neighborhoods that have characteristics that suggest the neighborhood will transition into at minimum a lower middle class neighborhood where home ownership becomes more prevalent.