After repairing and improving the usability of the home, I was able to get it rented out at the top of market.

Market in Cleveland is pretty robust but if this guy is just going to Ghost you your probably a good year or more away from getting your collateral back If its abandoned as the lender you have the right to secure it..

You won't be scaring away the seller, this is a completely normal thing to request and your broker should be the one prodding the seller's side for this info up front (especially if the seller's side hasn't provided it already with the marketing material at the very least). 

Purchase price: $1,000 Cash invested: $1,000 Sale price: $4,500 Wrote letter to off market property land owners.

If you want to network or ask specific questions about your local market, go to your local real estate forum and connect with investors from your area: https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/86-local-real-estate-networking5.

Most markets the physical vacancy is 5-10%, good chance you can find it by googling and seeing what the average is.

What market did you buy this property? 

Micron Technology's decision to build a massive 1,400-acre semiconductor manufacturing plant in Clay, NY, a suburb of Syracuse, is poised to have a transformative effect on the local housing market.

When were are in a hot market we require a previewing questionnaire with 5 questions based around the application process - credit, income, pets, etc.

If you want to network or ask specific questions about your local market, go to your local real estate forum and connect with investors from your area: https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/86-local-real-estate-networking5.