You're in a pretty hot market. 

@Michael Davisstart with a house hack

It requires no money upfront, so you will join thousands of others trying to do the same in your market.

Those in other markets will not be impressed. 

Another concern is after the two years, I still wouldn’t be lendable for most properties in my markets due to that lack of income. 

A lot of different strategies work very well in the Cleveland market.

The agent works "for free" until the house sells, so taking them out of the deal is theft, and immoral."

@Abby H.Shifting from house hacking to small multifamily is a great way to scale, and securing a JV partner is all about networking, credibility, and structuring a win-win deal.

I think you have the basics of meeting partners and people to work with in your local market and seem to be well on the way with two deals going already so big congrats there!

So if you buy a 5 bedroom house and rent the spare 4 bedrooms = you can still sell tax-free under the 121 (you just pay back depreciation) If you buy a duplex and rent 1/2 and live in 1/2.