Quote from @JD Martin: Nobody is going to build "starter" homes unless there are incentives that help absorb your fixed costs - developing lots, utility connections, grading & surveying, etc.

Knowing the three cities mentioned is important for grading the neighborhoods and can vary street by street. 

Unlike a kitchen or bathroom renovation your literally building a second house on the property and your dealing with everything from grading, soils, foundation, electrical, plumbing, framing etc.

If you're looking at Cleveland, I suggest reading The Ultimate Guide to Grading Cleveland Neighborhoods to get yourself an understanding on the market. thank you!

@Jim Wollen Thanks Jim, I’m still holding without an LLC, purchased commercial grade insurance and an umbrella policy.

For me A or B grade means that you can get a tenant with a 700 plus credit score with an income well above the minimum threshold. 

We were under contract for another place and walked away because of a 2" drop in the house in one corner caused by the foundation not going below grade and the owners not willing to do anything.

If you're gonna look at Cleveland, I'd say you wanna read The Ultimate Guide to Grading Cleveland Neighborhoods before making any buys.

I still use the checklists/grading system for staff evaluation.

In college, work on the basics - get good grades, don’t get into debt, build your credit, etc.