Work with a knowledgeable SDIRA custodian to ensure compliance with regulation.This post does not create a CPA-Client relationship.

This deal and the one before it came about from networking, building a relationship with my property manager, an investor friendly realtor, and learning what makes a deal a deal.

My professional background is data science / analytics, which means analyzing cash flows will probably come more naturally than building relationships, which apparently, is how one finds deals worth making.Are there meetups in these areas I should attend (digitally at first, presumably)? 

@Justin PumprAs real estate investors, you should stabilize your portfolio, focus on debt management, adjust contractor relationships, implement stricter risk management, and tighten underwriting criteria.

For rentals, consider holding properties in an LLC for liability protection.This post does not create a CPA-Client relationship.

Being abroad adds risk to your file and terms will be effected in some way or another.  

More important than identifying target areas is establishing relationship with a local investor-friendly professional who has personal experience in investing in Cleveland.

. - You will be at risk of breaking the law, as many states are creating laws that effectively ban wholesaling, and while wholesaling gurus claim that this is not the case, they are either lying or deluded.

I imagine there is not much of a relationship with the turnkey service after the sale and I would deal with the PM and Loan company directly. 

Getting Fair deals on labor and repairs comes from developing win/win relationships with contractors.