I believe my mother found it on Zillow.

I do not believe it matters if you start with mortgage broker or RE agent.  

While this might not fetch the top dollar, it could result in a quicker sale at a reasonable price.Consider Renovation Loan Options: If you believe the house has significant potential value once fixed up, exploring renovation loan options like an FHA 203(k) could be an option.

@Ed Hoffman, I believe for an entity like an LLC to do business in a state outside of where it was formed it needs to register in that state.

At the same time, some new investors outsource the property management because they believe they have to. 

In the case of the OP, he believes prop taxes are too high, tenants are crazy high risk, STR is too much work, does not want to purchase more.  

I too believe that economies of scale will will give us more bang for our buck, but since MTR data is fairly new, it was also difficult to analyze the profit potential for a new 4plex.

I've always believed in the saying that "there is nothing wrong with any deal, as long as the price is right" lol.This might sound cliche but all of Cleveland can cashflow if you buy cheap enough and if you buy with cash.And cashflow it can very well.Just like all of Ohio.You make money when you buy and not when you sell.So make sure to buy dirt cheap.Buying cheap also "acts" as a margin of safety for any mishaps that happen during rehab or issues like the OP had with the first property manager.I see many folks nowadays buying off the MLS and overpaying, spending too much on rehab and then getting dimed to death by property management.While I'm sitting on the sidelines as a turnkey provider watching it all un-fold and thinking how they just could have bought my "overpriced" turnkey property and would have been into the deal for at least 30% cheaper...It's a shame but it's what the people want, so many give the people what they want.Thanks 

I would like to believe that referrals work and that investors are not selfish to share their network.

I believe single family homes will appreciate the best, and when you are young you are ok with doing rent by the room to friends or family to assist with the costs.