Disclaimer: I am a licensed real estate broker associate in Florida, not a financial advisor, lender, or attorney.

Going to property tours inspired me to obtain my real estate license in the state of Georgia; and look further into property investing and helping others achieve their real estate goals.

I'm a licensed lender in Washington (and many other states), I invest as a "side hustle" and grew up in Seattle, so I feel your pain.  

Looking to improve my investment skills, I decided to get my residential home inspection license which led to me starting HLC Home Inspections.

When you have a new area that still has easy access to an established city, it can flourish. 

Like wouldn’t it be better to get a license and throw your own offers?

A great alternative would be simply licensing or leveraging a different web forum platform that already has a mature mobile app available for and that BiggerPockets could simply redirect mobile users to when they open the site.

All in all, this is exactly why you connect and establish a business relationship with an experienced investor-focused real estate agent who will shoot you straight. 

If, a year from now, you have an extra $20k piled up because you have been serious about this, it established a bit of a track record and proves that you are a doer and not just a dreamer.I would also express gratitude that you have a partner that is so cautious.

More important than identifying target areas is establishing relationship with a local investor-friendly professional who has personal experience in investing in Cleveland.