I was looking for some advice (viable target areas in Cleveland or Ohio in general, financing options and credible PM/realtor contacts) from the experts here though especially if you are in a similar boat as mine (reside in Canada/Ontario area and invest in US). 

Here are a few to watch out for:Property Condition: Most distressed properties need extensive repairs or renovations, which add to your initial investment.Competitive Market: With Phoenix's popularity among investors, competition for the best deals can be intense.Complex Deals: Foreclosures, auctions, or short sales are much more complicated compared to regular real estate transactions and usually require specialized knowledge.Tips to Successfully Navigate the MarketDo Your Research: Understand the local market conditions, including neighborhood trends, property values, and potential rental income.Build a Strong Network: Work with professionals who specialize in distressed properties-such as brokers, contractors, and legal experts-to make the best decisions.Assess Costs Carefully: Factor in the cost of repairs, holding costs, and any potential financing issues when evaluating a property’s profitability.Be Patient: Finding the right distressed property takes time.

Rents will continue to fall and property prices will still fall for as long as this remains true.

Spoken to a few people that have done them, but haven't found a real expert in the matter thus far. 

Start small with duplexes or triplexes, analyze deals carefully, and build a team of local experts.

Coincidentally, I’m currently listening to the BP Real Estate podcast, Episode 1,054: The Expert Investor: Early Retirement is a Mistake, Rent Instead of Buying.

I am no expert by any means but I thought I would drop my opinion here. 1) Should I focus on duplex since they're most likely less expensive in my area in category A or B properties, or aim for more units?

If private companies continue to provide the insurance, I suspect we will see further increased premium costs which will need to be reflected in the rents tenants pay (all tenants: LTR, MTR, STR).  

Do you have live meetings to ask questions to experts?

Consider experts like @Brian Eastman or @Bernard Reisz for help.