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.

Im trained enough myself at this point in QBO, but my bookeeper still does the more complex entries (Loans, capital balances, reconciliation, etc) I just do the data entries for expenses. 

I also see your point about avoiding bargain basement properties, especially insofar as tax shielding is easier with an asset of a reasonable size.Your point about barriers to entry is also interesting, since I suppose those barriers can be geography (natural boundaries of mountains/water), but you're probably referring to that which impedes future construction?

The increasing barrier to entry results in fewer new STR's coming available for sale, but also fewer options for guests to rent. 

Investors come to our market because of the low barrier to entry and that we have a solid tenant base that provides solid cash flow to out-of-state investors like yourself.

Honestly if you are doing STR I would suggest doing Austin itself rather than all the way out there in Kyle - maybe a couple of years ago when the prices were through the roof in Austin city itself this would be a good alternative but there is a blip right now where you can get a god entry point in Austin (downtown/east ideally) for STR

This person (not Blake capital) was trying to bully me (wrong move).

I would like to enter the landscape of real estate investing, but the area I live in has a barrier to entry with regards to cost.

HiI am starting my real estate journey in 2025 and started connecting with agents and lenders. My lender is suggesting me to buy property under my name and then transfer it to LLC later as there are not many financing...

The median home price is also very low nationwide which creates a low barrier to entry.