Also, they were very respectful.

You'll want to make sure that you use that new property long enough to establish that you had an investment intent and then changed that intent. 

More important than identifying target areas is establishing relationship with a local investor-friendly professional who has personal experience in investing in Cleveland.

In all reality, if you apply your screening criteria equally, and treat people with the respect and dignity they deserve (no matter where your rent money comes from), it's not an issue. 

When you have a new area that still has easy access to an established city, it can flourish. 

A professional manager can find qualified tenants who respect your home and handle day-to-day issues.

Are you open to working with contractors, or do you stick with established businesses only?

The two that I have held the longest (7 and 6 years old) if sold today would give a true IRR of 9% and 20% respectively. 

By the time I launched, I had already established a solid reputation in the Cincinnati market.

LLC's separate your personal assets from your investments and offer you protection from lawsuits related to your property, they can help to establish a more professional image if you plan to expand, and they provide some flexibility on how you are taxed.There are some drawbacks, included fees and administrative work, but it's ultimately best to consider speaking with a CPA to determine the best option for you.