I’m active in the market and happy to share insights on neighborhoods, financing options, or connect you with resources.

One year after I used that property to pull a HELOC and this year used that money to purchase an off market 4 family property in Clinton for well under market value, which I just recently finished all of the repairs and upgrades on.

Cleveland would be a great market for you.

I've also loved learning about the other 10 markets we operate in.I have two big goals.

I sold all my SFR rentals in that markets as collecting rent and keeping houses in good shape was just too tough.. ( thats jackson proper)  as I said madison and Ridgeland will be fine..

The key for me wasn't to invest in the 'best place' but to know a market so well that a deal jumps off the page when it appears.

So, I’m curious how you are managing to find your deals, whether you are buying at auctions or via marketing direct to sellers.

There's no real hard and fast way or only 1 way or doing your first 2 points. your subject line suggests you're not looking to go to a large shop like a JLL or a CBRE which honestly I don't blame you those offices are usually pretty bloated.As far as monthly costs, if you are going to individually get a costar or other such license you are probably looking at $500-$1000 a month pretty easy in overhead once you have office dues, mls dues, marketing, etc. 

I would recommend you focus on a couple neighborhoods that you would like to live in; and familiarize yourself with that market.  

I'm planning on buying a LTR at the moment, likely small multifamily. markets are hard too.