It's worth doing the call with them because that's free.

I used to do essentially free consulting with new investors on it but gave it up for some of the same reasons - everyone thinks you can just sit at home and buy good properties across the country that are in great shape. 

Check with a local Farmers agent.Mike

agree .. other wise its just the bottom feeders looking to take his equity from him  with couching it as a rescue.. his best bet it to sell if its owner occ the profit is tax free .. regroup and start over.. 

Is anyone out there willing to be boots on the ground in Cleveland particularly old Brooklyn to check out the condition of a property?

Here’s how using a Self-Directed IRA (SDIRA) to invest in real estate enhances these benefits, especially for those looking to diversify their retirement portfolio: Tax-Advantaged Growth: Real estate investments inside a self-directed account grow tax-deferred (traditional SDIRA) or tax-free (Roth SDIRA), meaning rental income, appreciation, and even gains from selling the property stay shielded from taxes until withdrawal—or forever in the case of a Roth!

Start with BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginners Guide (free).

Depends on the town’s rules, though, so check that first.Renovation Loophole: Some places let you raise rents or get out of rent control if you do big renovations.

Rae, I would keep checking the sites including FSBO, FaceBkMarktplace, and driving neighborhoods. 

Feel free to message me separately if you'd like.