I know it's a risky move but I'm desperate and truly hate what I do for work right now.. sorry for the long story but anyone kind enough to help out a father of five children, I would greatly appreciate it from the bottom of my heart....

Elizabeth Colegrove you have touched on a subject that's near and dear to my heart.

All the best,Lauren Heart

Welcome to the forum mate :)There sure have been quite a few Aussies joining in the recent months.I always wish many folks knew about Bigger Pockets years ago as there would be much less heart ache now.The best advice I could give someone starting out with US real estate is to focus more on the people and team rather than the stats/demographics.Thanks and much success :)

Its a good space that is booming a little bit about Cleveland:Did you know:CLE - home to the 2016 Republican National ConventionCLE - Superman was created hereCLE - Cleveland Clinic #1 Heart Surgery Center in the WorldCLE - Over a dizen Fortune 500 CompaniesCLE - Second largest theatre district in the CountryCLE - Epicenter for BioMed Research & DevelopmentCLE - A great place for the WHOLE family/CLE - A great place for investing come check out the beautiful things CLE has.Anyhow, I think we need to get back to the core of the question: As a new investor looking / considering investing outside of your local hyper area you will want to define someone who is not just going to help you buy, renovate and then you will figure out how to manage, you want someone who can allow you to have passive income without giving up your full time occupation.

You can go as far as your heart desires.

I am curious, do your tenants expect some type of compensation for showing to future tenants or do they do it out of the goodness of their heart? 

Navigating the renovation of a house is not for the faint of heart.  

@Molly Krief  I am glad you took my advice to heart and have paid special attention to your grammar/spelling. 

But an entrepreneur at heart, his passion led him to create numerous business ventures, ranging from real estate development, manufacturing to government contracting.