It's tough to give a definitive answer without knowing your specific investment goals (cash flow, appreciation, etc.) and preferred strategies (BRRRR, wholesaling, etc.).However, since I'm a Cleveland native and active in the real estate market here, I can offer some insights on why Cleveland could be a good fit:Affordability: Compared to many other major metros, Cleveland offers a relatively low barrier to entry.

The market is investor-friendly and has a low barrier to entry.

And they keep their jobs because there is no barrier to entry, and they can't fire themselves. 

Desirable first ring city neighborhood. 

It’s great that you’re being proactive, especially as you scale up your real estate portfolio.You're right in noticing that higher W-2 income creates some barriers when it comes to offsetting taxes through real estate, especially due to passive activity loss limitations.

Other forms of assets come with such steeper barrier entries coupled with devaluation of their current currency, it's very hard to resist this proof. 

I don't want to generate the immediate barrier you discussed.  

That points to how razor thin the margins are when dealing with these properties and how the smallest of issues can turn these properties upside down for the investor buyer but very few know this as they are posting ringing endorsements.

Personally, I used a business credit card to fund a BRRRR deal, securing over $90K in credit with just an LLC and a solid credit score.There are many creative financing strategies available, so don’t let capital be a barrier.

Haha I love that, I was born into the computer world but the way you describe finding real estate deals back then reminds me of a scene out of lord of the rings.