That makes a big difference in the answer to what Charles eloquently referenced regarding confidence in your ability to close. 

We are always here to assist in answering as many questions as you have & to work through any issues that come up along the way. 

I should have answered this question when I saw it five years ago.

The whole point of this post is to answer questions like yours.

Happy to connect and answer any questions you have.On the other hand with Cincinnati, it doesn't have the same type of population and job growth as Columbus.

That's before you pay any debt service.To answer your question: No, it's generally not a good idea to lose a bunch of money every month.

@Eric Coats, to answer your specific questions, estimating expenses are pretty simple. 

But, my answers are based on my actual experience being a real estate investor for the last 12+ years.I am 41 years old and currently own 160 units.

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.

You are correct being on "qualified extended duty" allows you to extend the 5-year rule to 10 years. to answer your questions 1. renting a home does not void it 2.