For the bedrooms and bath, choose colors from the rug, and use them, you can't go wrong! 

But the answer for everyone may differ.Here are the personal attributes I see in those able to achieve a higher than market ROI, enough higher to be able to “scale”.1- Knowledge of real estate principles, real estate law and real estate finance2- Minimum 3 -5 years full time, or near full time experience directly related to real estate investing3- Ability to utilize technology for increased efficiency, capacity, and accuracy4- Excellent hired legal counsel and excellent hired marketing help5- Established method(s) of obtaining consistently high QUALITY deal flow6- Ability to manage and choose people who are NOT employees: Attorneys, Appraisers, Mortgage Brokers, Real Estate Brokers, Title Companies, Surveyors, Marketing Specialists, Accountants, Contractors, Consultants, Property Managers7- A VERIFIABLE track record of success8- Ability to identify, analyze, and negotiate a deal that can be “worked” for “enhanced” ROI9- Some type of competitive advantage; for example for me it’s my ability to analyze and identify mortgage loans that are actually less risky than all other lenders believe (on the investing in debt side), and on the real property side it’s my ability to analyze”pull the trigger” with LESS information than other investors need,  combined with the ability to pay cash, or raise significant capital almost instantly as well as being able to obtain loans at the lowest prime customer bank rate with no recourse or personal liability.  

Also, I would want to see Line 14 SE shown as 0 no matter whether it's reported as Line 1 income or Line 4 guaranteed payments.Good luck in pursuing with AHP if you choose to go that route.  

I do this as there is so many different ways persons choose to do such, so many different fee structures, so I keep it off and I tell clients UP FRONT to keep that in mind and add what is specific to there situation.   

Quote from @Nate Meeker: Great insight, I am personally choosing not to file these for clients, but am providing a free guide to help them.  

Even if my cash flow is negative while I live there, I will still be enjoying all the long-term benefits of owning real estate and my living costs will be cheaper than renting if I choose the right deal/property.I appreciate the insight!

I think as people are able to choose to work places that have better weather places like Cleavland will continue to decline.

Network with experienced investors, choose a real estate strategy, research markets with job and population growth, learn financing options, familiarize yourself with property management, develop a long-term plan, and leverage your stock experience to evaluate markets and trends.Good luck!

Hi @Allie William WilsonYour post caught my eye because of your thoughtful approach to choosing the right market for your next investment.

They say sellers "choose" a buyer agent amount under the threat of that agents might refuse to show a house if they (agents, not consumers) think the pay isn't enough.