Maybe @Brian Burke could give some wise words of advise.

Probably wise to punt on this one, I'm just anxious to get my first deal going!

If a home will be vacant for a long time during winter it is wise to have a professional "winterize" the home with water shut-offs, blowing air through the pipes, and antifreeze added to all the drains.Hope that helps you and others in the future.

@James Wise I've never done any partnerships, so I probably won't be able to offer any good advice.

Wasn't sure if it would be wise or if we should rent?

As to guru, I don't know, but Rich Dad Poor Dad crap is pretty much that from what I've heard, one aspect doesn't mean much I guess as fools are willing to pay for almost anything, I'm changing my attitude slowly too, if you have 100,000 people wanting strawberry ice cream in a cone, someone is going to serve it, make it more interesting, put a gram cracker with it on the side.

Would it be wise to do a cash-out refinance on one of the properties BEFORE I invest in an o/o property?

I would say the labor is high for a handyman , an electrician at $ 125 an hour would be cheaper and better liability wise .

Would it be wise to invest in a few rentals before relocating to a new area to supplement our income?

@James Wise I will definitely agree with you that there are plenty houses in Akron that have solid opportunities, however not the best option for my situation with wanting to live in them.