@Malcolm Brown it is great that you are thinking of the money to fund the deals you are going to get started with but understanding what a deal is, I think, should be the starting point. 

Although most such fund operators only deal with accredited investors directly, you may also be able to find some among the crowdfunding sites.  

But as of the last 6 or so months I seem to be losing direction.

It’s a great way to grow faster.HELOC or Equity Tapping: If you have equity in another property, using a HELOC or cash-out refinance could help cover the down payment without affecting your DTI as much.Seller Financing or Creative Deals: Look for sellers willing to finance directly, which bypasses traditional mortgage qualification hurdles.Scaling quickly often involves combining strategies—play around with what works best for your goals.

There is no way to absorb the costs of properly renovating a home in its entirety when you are dealing with $115K assets.

Every area has deals.

I also agree that Akron is a viable area as well, but Im still finding the best deals in and around Cleveland.

Exactly if its a hot deal cash just means you beat out the next guy who needs financing does not mean deep discount .. at least in markets were RE is sought after.

I work in engagement marketing and deal with construction tradesmen all day, usually more custom type tradespersons with a lot of care and concern for their own work, which may glamorize it more than I realize.

Direction Cracks that run diagonally or horizontallyCracks that run at a 45-degree angleOther signs Cracks that appear suddenlyMultiple cracks, especially if clustered togetherCracks that widen over timeDoors and windows that don't close properlySagging ceilings or leaning wallsSigns of water leakage  -------------------------------------Just annoying stuff...fun, huh?