If you are looking to stay in the real estate game, leverage your equity and buy more real estate.

Speak to them about their experiences and satisfaction with the firm.Look for testimonials or case studies that demonstrate successful investments and positive investor experiences.Evaluate Transparency and Communication:Assess how transparent the firm is about their operations, fees, and processes.Ensure they provide clear and regular communication about your investments, including updates on loan performance and any issues that arise.Analyze Risk Management Practices:Understand how the firm manages risk.

I suggest an aggressive principal pay down so they can have skin in the game.

The thing I love most about Cleveland is the diversification of the areas, there will be something out there for every type of investor.If you'd like to hop on a call, I'd be happy to discuss this further and hopefully help provide some insight for you. 

I also recommend each new resident do the same upon leasing the property, however require the prior renter to provide me with all keys. 

Cash flow is the name of the game when it comes to controlling the asset so you are right it really doesn't matter whether the value goes up or down as long as you can carry it. 

So I require skin in the game (average is 5% to 15%) to offset this.

Might take a couple fix and flips to get enough cash to provide the necessary down payment for that.

I've dabbled in the new construction space here in Chicago and there is A LOT that goes into it...I'd highly suggest spending some 1:1 time networking with some other investors like @Jennie Berger or @Prashanth Mahakali who are both Chicago developersYou make your money with the land purchase and then systems/processes/volume over time in the development game, but it's not easy and competition is high!

Think of it as a football game, you need to play offense and defense.