If house hacking isn't the best option for me, how would you recommend starting out to build up some investments.

We've done demos with all of the big name PMS options and are finding big gaps with all of them, mostly when it comes to payment processing.

Off-market deals give you control over pricing, terms, and creative financing options.

Cleveland almost seems like the best option because of the affordability and rental demand, but worries me due to the high property taxes and lack of population and economic growth.

I've been doing some light reading, and it sounds like refinancing that property and using the proceeds to reinvest elsewhere might be a better option. 

If everything checks out, they could be a solid option for your first investment deal.

On public websites, I see some options to acquire a duplex in central Los Angeles under $550K which would require at least another $50K of work if I do not outsource most of the labor.

Have you considered creative financing options like joint ventures or seller financing to reduce reliance on outside capital?

I do have monthly mortgages to be paid and not having rental income to offset my negative cash flow has been a learning experience and really trying to think of what options I have to have better success at this.

Please advise on how to accept a colleague request...the 'accept' option isn't showing and 'notifications' does not activate when selected.