That’s how I got started—with little to no money out of pocket.

@Michael AddisonIf you're just getting started in Cleveland I would recommend being in areas on the West Side of Cleveland like West Blvd, Cudell, Old Brooklyn, Clark Fulton, Edgewater, Jefferson, and Brooklyn Centre.

It started as an FHA loan but had to switch to conventional.

Websites like Furnished Finder and even hospital or university housing boards could be good starting points to market your property.

Might start here: http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?

Started my journey in Rich Dad education and has lead me to note buying and selling.  

Goal would be to acquire 20 rentals by the age of retirement, with some already starting to be paid off.I am in the same boat as you, and I focus on safe appreciation all day (small cash flow for safety and then focused on markets on that appreciate). 

I recommend you start with what you know, at least with the bulk of your IRA.

While this trend is already common in downtown areas, will it start reshaping more traditional suburban neighborhoods as well?

I recommend you go to the source and educate yourself on all the landlord-tenant laws, particularly in an increasingly regulated state like Colorado.Here's a good starting point: https://doh.colorado.gov/landlord-rights-and-responsibilitie...