🔥 Yes Trevor. talked to few agents,lenders,contractors, and checking out the properties, trying to figure the good contractor and deals as well.

(Michael's posts are a great resource for this, but still no substitute for working directly with a tax accountant that's well-versed in all the ins-and-outs of this.) 

I also agree that Akron is a viable area as well, but Im still finding the best deals in and around Cleveland.

Renovation work throughout both apartments, gutted and refinished the basement as well as extensive work in the private backyard.

.- The inspections are only 5 years, but tenants are not likely to take care of them home as well as you, and refurbishing hardwood, lath and plaster, and anything else is going to be much more expensive than the typical Landlord special (white paint, and grey LVP)It will all come down to making your numbers work.

Also, you can get a HELOC on your primary residence and use the proceeds to purchase investment properties as well.

On the other hand, the croissant are cheaper, local and work pretty darn well.

They are essentially the same thing you are describing, but sharing an "expert opinion".I am also not a fan of how BiggerPockets itself is doing this same thing in the forum by posting blog posts and you don't have the ability to comment on the posting (because some times I disagree with the posting!) 

I have run numbers for LTRs on a set of duplexes that seem to cash flow well.

It's probably not going to end well for that landlord.