Hi Yu Jin,Dayton is a step up from Toledo but also comes with a step up in price.The numbers make sense in many Ohio cities.You make money when you buy and not when you sell.So look for off market (We do a lot of direct to seller), negotiate hard, buy with cash and buy quickly.Great deals don't last so you need to know the numbers very well in your target market.I've flipped hundreds of properties in Toledo since 2014 and am glad to say that I know the market like my back pocket.All I need is the address, scope of work and how much I can buy it for.Quick access to AREIS, the MLS to run comps and "ka ching".I know if it's a deal or not.Immerse yourself in the market and become a market expert on the numbers.Nothing comes easy mate and all good things take time.If you are looking to build a rental portfolio in Ohio you have to build a big one.Buying 1 or 2 properties and expecting a significant impact to your bottom line from a net-worth or cashflow standpoint isn't worth the risk IMO.In all sub $100,000 markets, it's important to build a large portfolio as there is a high likelihood that you will have repairs and vacancy on 1 or 2 properties at any given moment.Just my opinion and all the best.

Will this property qualify for all the tax benefits of STR?

I could also refinance before 2 years is up but closings costs for apartment buildings are expensive right?   

I see a lot of people self-sacrifice, which I try to avoid along the journey to the top.If you aren't stuck on staying downtown Chicago, I'd consider finding a condo along the Blueline, but it would likely be in a smaller building (2-4 units. 

They appeal to students looking for a more private and homely living situation.Multi-Family Properties: Duplexes, triplexes, and small apartment buildings can offer higher rental income and spread the risk across multiple tenants.

You have the area experience and data to help you, but courthouse steps auctions are blind bidding (other than what you can find through the windows), all cash, 10 percent down at the time of close, and not always clear on all of the liens associated with the house (tax liens, HOA liens, utility liens, etc.). 

Property ARV: $450kTotal in: $350kMonthly rent: $4000Monthly taxes & insurance: $530[Loan 1] (via broker)75% LTV1.5% origination fee ($5062)Other fees: $1595 underwriting + $1295 processing (=$2890)Interest rate (floating): 7.25%5 years PPPMonthly P&I: $2,278Rent - PITI = $1,192***If appraisal comes back high enough, may be possible to do 80% LTV at 7.99%[Loan 2] (direct lender)70% LTVNO origination feeOther fees: $1,395 underwriting + $695 processing (=$2090)Interest rate (will not change): 7.375% 5 years PPPMonthly P&I: $2,152Rent - PITI = $1318---------------------------I really like how there's no origination fee with lender #2 so I get to keep more of the money I pull out.

We evaluate the asset off the current cash-flow, building condition, performance compared to peers, rent rates compared to market, and overall health of the local market.

A Cost Segregation Study was performed on a 2-story, 5,237 square foot Office Building located in Louisville, KY that was built in 1946 and purchased by its new owners in 2021.

-Zach Lemaster - CEO Rent To RetirementHere are some past threads that may help your research: https://www.biggerpockets.com/users/ZacharyCole/referenceshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/92/topics/765347-rent-to-retirement-reviewhttps://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/92/topics/1116050-a-huge-win-with-cori-from-rent-to-retirementhttps://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/850/topics/895660-my-first-investment-property-an-out-of-state-dealhttps://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/88/topics/1047543-big-profits-from-new-construction-sfr-build-in-cape-coral-flhttps://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/92/topics/983659-first-investment-property-with-rent-to-retirement?