With rental increases I could prob pay off my mortgage in 5/6 years which would net me 4K.

Have you seen an increase on the rental side? 

We will create a unique website for each property which will increase its desirability.

But I can't see why Cleveland would increase in value based on negative population growth and, generally, being a bad place to live.   

Buyer preferences are shifting towards energy-efficient homes, smart home features, and open-concept designs, so incorporating these elements can increase appeal.

The answer is clear: allowing full renovations without mandating sprinklers results in a far safer building than one that undergoes only superficial updates.Furthermore, requiring sprinklers in more buildings will likely increase costs even further.

One can do lending of a commerical nature in about 32 states legally the others you need to be an MLO and NMLS registered.

By doing this, not only are you increasing the value hopefully building you some equity (giving you some boost in your net worth) but also increase rental potential too. 

I plan on investing mainly for the hands-off nature of it.

I considered starting out house hacking a MF, but it will only increase my monthly expenses, not lower them or provide cash flow.