If you're looking for steady rental income, Cleveland could be a solid choice.

Here are a few strategies to consider for funding a down payment:Partnering: Like Gregory mentioned, finding a partner who can contribute to the down payment in exchange for equity or a profit share is a solid option.HELOC or Cash-Out Refi: If you have equity in your home or another property, a home equity line of credit (HELOC) or cash-out refinance can provide the funds you need.Private Money: Reach out to friends, family, or private investors who may be interested in lending you the down payment with a promissory note.Seller Second: In some cases, the seller might agree to finance a portion of the down payment as a second mortgage.Live Frugally and Save: It takes time, but reducing expenses and setting aside funds from your income is a tried-and-true method.The right approach depends on your situation and deal structure, but a mix of creativity and resourcefulness can go a long way.

Stop hanging out with your deadbeat buddies who spend all day drinking, talking sports, and otherwise wasting away.

If you go that route, having a solid team (property manager, agent, contractor) is very important.

Stop hanging out with your deadbeat buddies who spend all day drinking, talking sports, and otherwise wasting away.

Hey Themis, it sounds like you already have a solid foundation in real estate from working in the commercial industry, so it should be a pretty smooth transition into doing your own investments.I would put a lot of focus on building out your team of contractors.

This move is such a great example of what determination, solid planning, and truly listening to investors’ needs can achieve.

I’d be happy to connect and share ideas on building a solid plan, like assembling your CORE 4 (agent, lender, property manager, contractor) to help streamline your journey.

I've had tax companies lie to me about this and I ended up wasting money on unnecessary entities.

The rapid turnaround exemplifies our ability to execute efficient deals while delivering solid returns for our partners.