An out of state investment didn’t feel like the right fit for us either.

Take it FWIW.I will say my recommendation is to not use the agents that fit the criteria of my first & second points.

Once you know who in your circle has $ to invest, you then need to understand their risk to reward level so you know what deals fit their bucket.

Quote from @Gregory Schwartz: I have 2 very close friends who grew well beyond 2 rentals with this strategy. 

Talk to a CPA to see how it fits your plan. 

If you qualify, you could close on the loan in days.Home 2 could be an option for a fix-and-flip as well, but you would have to have another residence because these types of loans do not allow owner occupancy.

Give The Ultimate Guide to Grading Cleveland Neighborhoods a read to see which neighborhoods fit your appetite for risk. 

@Kay S.Assuming you are getting title insurance (which I recommend) the closing costs will be similar to a traditional closing.

You may be able to find a home that fits your needs. 

It’s better to have less rooms and to have them large enough to comfortably fit a queen bed.