@Jules AtonWe have started marketing to our guests as it is cheaper to keep a customer than to find a new one.

Again, the LLC does nothing except own public securities.Here is the relevant language:Exclusion From Partnership RulesCertain partnerships that do not actively conduct a business can choose to be completely or partially excluded from being treated as partnerships for federal income tax purposes.

Between renting and buying a turnkey-ready home, renting is cheaper.

Give The Ultimate Guide to Grading Cleveland Neighborhoods a read to see which neighborhoods fit your appetite for risk. 

Start with BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginners Guide (free).

One was purchased a  few years ago by an out-of-state owner who has decided to sell and has doubled in value.

Are you moving into the second one or want to make it a rental property? 

I'm looking to investigate this market a little further and wondering if anyone can help me out.

Your best route might be to buy a 2 to 4 unit property that you can live in and rent out the additional apartments.

When my business partner and I were still flipping we bought a couple through Auction.com and we always used a private money lender to fund those and our other flips.