What are out of state investors doing in Cuyahoga County if they don't have a property manager? Where do you find a LOIC? Is property management the only way to make this work?

You will have to check your local laws but I am not aware of a requirement to post to the MLS.

Are there still deals to be found by a new solo investor in LA?  It seems most off market deals I've found have been from larger acquisition groups.  Is it true that marketing and advertising to find motivated sellers...

He is interested in REI, has good basic knowledge on REI and has more than enough saved up for down but hesitate because of current market, interest rate, rental demand, capex, first investment jitters, draw of stock market, etc, etc. 

When a tenant causes problems, I can remove them six ways from Sunday, typically much faster than the courts could do it.Financial Management & Reporting: It may seem small, but accurate accounting is important and not in the tool box of most investors.Market Knowledge & Rental Rate Optimization: Understanding the market is critical to maximizing returns.

Hopefully a local wholesaler can chime in to connect.

They have the wrong equation of life and business, Money=Success=Knowledge=Qualified.

Hoping to find a local community to get involved with, maybe through Bigger Pockets. 

Here are additional comments:1) Buying out of state removes any local knowledge you have from assisting in your success, including knowing areas, people and costs. - We always recommend buying your first rental locally if possible and DIY managing to learn as much as possible before investing OOS.2) Lots of crooks and incompetents in the PMC world:( They both cost you money.- As already stated, you'll have a small portfolio.

Build your network by joining local real estate investor meetups or online communities like BiggerPockets.