Some offer higher risk higher return and some lower risk lower return.Let us know on what you decide! 

Keeps payments lower so risk is lower.

I am considering doing some flipping here in Alaska to create some capital and perhaps do some rentals once I get back to the lower 48.

My husband and I told the realtor to lower the price down to $200,000 but the realtor just lowered it to $209,000.

Is there a time frame to wait until you refi on that property??

Bosshardt, Watson, etc... tend to have a higher fee and tack on a % to maintenance which always irked me.Exit Realty, Matchmaker tend to have lower fees compared to the larger brokerages and may not tack on a % to the maintenance fee.Gore Rabbell is another one to investigate.If you send me a PM I can give you more candid feedback. 

Two, more importantly, it works now in certain parts of the country because of their low capital cost basis and more importantly, the current low-interest environment, which allows them to own SFR as rentals with bare positive cash flow in lower-priced markets.

Cleveland has the entry to purchase lower thus people will look at Cleveland much more favorable to park their money OR get their foot into the RE door.

Since you are a cash buyer, you can win lower bids.

Finding the right contractors to renovate at a reasonable price and time frame is another very important factor, as well.