I have done fix and flips in Columbus where appreciation is strong, and I own a duplex in Toledo, OH where the price to rent ratio favors housing providers. 

Not only does it protect you, but it also provides the opportunity to open checking accounts for each property under its LLC, which will make tracking income and expenses much easier.

Income properties are an excellent way to start building your investment portfolio.

The time has come for me to start investing in real estate and before doing so i'm looking to build a strong and dedicated team of partners: agents, lenders, contractors and property managers mainly in the Cleveland area (but also open to markets within a 2-3 hr drive away) that already possess an excellent track record in their line of work and that value long term collaboration.

For a simple/budget-friendly option, Google sheets/Excel can actually be a great starting point.8.

That means if you could get $6,250/mo, have zero repairs, zero maintenance, zero capex, zero vacancy, provide zero lawn/snow/landscaping, pay zero utilities, and pay zero management.

I personally use Excel for everything!

Excellent so far! 

@Chase McArthur would you mind sending me the excel spreadsheet you are reference to?

The meetups are an excellent place to meet equity partners and private lenders and build relationships with them.