I typically steer clear of properties that have to have multiple people signing off on.

Originally posted by @Robert Farris: Maybe they were trying to steer you into something costlier?

I'd steer clear of this type of area until you're more experienced unless you have some other particular advantage that would help you overcome the additional risk.Some of the inner ring suburbs (including Lakewood) are popular on both the east and west side areas, though you'll have increased regulation from the suburban municipality government and increased property tax burdens to deal with.Since you're local, I'd deploy capital in an area you are (or get to be) familiar with first hand, and use that list I provided as a starting point for areas to familiarize yourself with.

I would steer away from hiring someone with zero experience to manage your properties.

So again, I think it is incumbent upon the operator to steer them through this process.

This is the kind of thing that steer people away from real estate, I don't care he is in for a profit, we all are here to make a profit in the long run.

On multiple occasions I have steered investors away from buying properties that I was selling because I didn't think it was a good match for them.

I'll plug for Inland Capital. www.inlandcap.comThey've been very helpful with double checking my own numbers and steering me from bad deals.

I can account for the potential PMs attitude other than anti-steering laws, but that doesn't apply to what you're doing.  

Steer clear of the one who disregards your idea and tells you what to do.