My style of investing is take my time and buy properties in good shape, or if the property needs anything that I think will be a problem, I will go ahead and fix or replace before I rent it.

It sounds like Columbus OH is pretty hot, Memphis TN, and some areas in the southern Midwest as well. 

Sounds like a deep dive into the numbers is what you need.1.

If the tenant identifies an area of moisture that may be causing growth we immediately address the source of the moisture, replace and damage building material (usually dry wall) and or use mold cleaning solutions/mold blocking primers as required. good luck

Add another 10 units puts you closer to your goal.I wouldn't worry too much about the $15,000 initially, and focus more on adding doors.  10 years is a lot of time to raise rents and replace your income.  12 units by the end of this year puts you at 16% of reaching your goal.  

In your networking/loan terms search I'd reframe your ask, because what you are asking for sounds MORE risky and therefore difficult than another request.

The question you ask sounds simple, only because most people go by “gut feel” rather than any rational thinking.  

However I really agree with Mathew on this.. there are thousands of houses in every big city in the mid west and rust belt. these are less than replacement costs..

Many ideas sound like a great route to go down.

As bad as that sounds, the other side is you have people selling things like STRs are recession proof.