I began inviting them to online zoom meetings I would hold with brokers, agents and investors... friends I had made along the way, where we would just talk strategy, loan types, current market trends etc.

In general, Cleveland is an excellent market to purchase rentals. 

If you have a lot of family in OK, that can be a great place to start assessing since you have dedicated boots on the ground, as well as a reason to visit.Don't overthink the analyzing of markets when you are still figuring things out.

Are you in the Atlanta Market?

Hi Max, I can speak about the Columbus Ohio market (as this is the market I specialize in) but yes, there is strong competition here and there are obviously some cash buyers and they will always have a slight advantage.

What is next is getting back in the market and creating more opportunity for our clients to ride the next market upcycle.

I don't know about other areas in TX, but I keep a close eye on Austin-SAN corridor, and I'm familiar with the market in Kyle, New Braunfels and NE San Antonio.

can the lot be sold on the open market? 

The market in Scottsdale is cheaper than the Seattle market to buy, however, the rental market is a bit higher, so we would likely be renting for around $6k-$7k/mo. 

For all methods you would want to find a market that has strong employment rates, strong income rates for the market, and is a growing or an established market.