Here is some key information:Property recently hit the market and has 2 cash offers alreadyThe seller provided a pre-inspection report, which I shared with 2 different lenders, both think it may fail conventional financing due to potential structural and electrical issues (realtor thinks it could pass conventional)Seller has 100% equity but is behind on other payments (not sure of the urgency money is needed)This is my first attempt at an “investment” property so I’m new to thisI see 3 optionsMove forward with an offer using conventional loan pre-qualification-Not as attractive of an offer to the seller-Possibility that appraiser calls out structural/electrical issues that need to be fixed before closing, effectively causing financing to fail- Best terms and fewest loan fees for meUse a rehab style loan such as ChoiceRenovation-Even less attractive than a conventional offer to seller, but less risk of failed financing if appraiser calls out issues-Slightly worse fees and interest rates compared to conventional-Lenders tell me possibly up to 60-90 days closing in some cases, with red-tape for contractor requirements and draw schedules (sounds like the most hoops to jump through during rehab)Use a hard money lender-Most attractive loan option I can give to seller so I can compete-Much higher fees and interest rate for me-need to refinance into a conventional at the end of rehab (not familiar with seasoning periods but I think this is a factor as well)Which option would you do?

It's tough to give a definitive answer without knowing your specific investment goals (cash flow, appreciation, etc.) and preferred strategies (BRRRR, wholesaling, etc.).However, since I'm a Cleveland native and active in the real estate market here, I can offer some insights on why Cleveland could be a good fit:Affordability: Compared to many other major metros, Cleveland offers a relatively low barrier to entry.

IMO 6 months is nothing compared to other illiquid assets.

Property Valuation:Investors look at a variety of factors to determine a property’s value, including comparable sales (comps), rental income potential, and location.

Will post back how long it takes and the “compared to what” responses as it happens. 

  $6.25k feels manageable, so I compared the rent vs purchase numbers.  

We certainly have found some deals that would reduce our living expenses compared to renting.

I would compare my return with any market, anywhere but 1) this is a different San Diego market than the one I have been so successful in 2) while I am a big fan of leverage, I am not a fan of over leverage.

The key is to compare each scenario side by side.

From what I'm seeing the prices are pretty comparable to Miami's on the MLS.