In 2014, when i was s broke freelance journalist, I rented my basement apartment in Denver on Airbnb.

James, The way you describe contract for deed in your closing sounds very attractive. 

Acquired our first rental property and working to attract a qualified tenant.

I would just be cautious, as there are some rough neighborhoods in both Akron and Cleveland that seem attractive due to the cash flow but will be money pits after the vandalism and vacancy. 

Additionally, these properties generally attract long-term tenants with longer leases, offering more consistent cash flow

Class A properties are going to cost you more, have lower cash flow, yet be more attractive to a higher quality tenant base.

Beachfront or properties near attractions tend to perform best.Mid-Term Rentals (MTRs): These are gaining traction, especially with traveling nurses and remote workers.

As I am new to this and looking for cashflow using rentals, one key aspect of this investment is to ensure that the unit rents out quickly and while I do understand that cash flow to begin with might not be attractive, it can be a good investment in the long run if the location is right(as appreciation also kicks in).

It also matters where the home is located, and what the weather, type of tenants it attracts/has been attracting, etc. other factors are.

A combination of extremely tough long term tenant protections and the economics of short term renting being a lot more attractive.