@Isaac TerryIn terms of it being worthwhile, just like most other markets out of state if the barrier or entry is too high where you live, the landlord laws are not favorable where you live, and you are looking for positive cashflow then Cleveland can be a good option.

Those 7 years were cash positive, but we just weren't making enough cash flow to make it worth the trouble. 

On a positive note we did build a new house to the specifications of a specific tenant. 

How is this a positive environment for real estate investment?

If you used a loan to rehab your property and find yourself in a difficult position, doing a straight refi (just paying off the old mortgage) will be easier than trying to pay off the original loan and take additional cash out.

The properties were not PURCHASED below market value; work, renovations, and positioning over time (the next six months) increased the property value.  

A better solution, in my opinion, is not to rely on wholesalers,  as not only is it a dying breed due to the sheer incompetence they exhibit due to gurus' wrong instructions and teachings, but, wouldn't it be better to generate your own leads through a high performing website?

You’re surrounded by a support group I never had, and that’s a positive.

However, if you're a W2 high income earner or business owner, I can't imagine it makes any sense to flip houses, mail mass post cards, wholesale, or build lead gen websites with the value of your time being better spent other places (such as learning about real estate and increasing your income through proven means), such as at your 9-5pm or growing your business, and your real estate is a long term process and you don't need "home run" deals to qualify or make it work.

The positive is you can get them out with 60 day notice so 60 day escrow would allow the unit to be delivered vacant (assuming zero issues terminating the rental)good luck