AirDNA only know whether a night is open or booked. 

@Zach Howard I am working on a how-to book on Creative Financing now (I am the author of BP's book on Mid Term Rentals) because when I was teaching myself I was frustrated at the lack of clear instruction.

Start with BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginners Guide (free).

Educate yourself with books, podcasts, and market research, define your goals, and build a team of professionals to support your journey.

I've read BiggerPockets' Real Estate Investing book and am particularly interested in the house hacking strategy, as I'd like to move out of my current living situation.Our main dilemma is choosing between a single-family home (renting out one room to a close friend) or a multifamily property like a duplex or triplex.

As you look deeper into Cleveland, check out The Ultimate Guide to Grading Cleveland Neighborhoods.

I use True Books for my real estate tax planning and execution.

The @Dave Meyer book Start with Strategy will also be a good resource.

Of course, with all things, the answers to all these matters will depend on the circumstances.California tends to have more laws on the books and requirements and restrictions that it can be a good idea to form a CA LLC for out of state property so that you as a CA resident are covered, and to try to have your contracts fall under the purview of CA courts.

I truly need direction and step by step guide to start this whole thing from scratch.