My first step is to stop paying rent and getting nothing in return.

You've taken an important step.

Be sure to read through The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Real Estate Investing to help you get started.Also - here's a couple articles you might enjoy:The 21 Best Real Estate Investing Books Ever How to Rent Your House: The Definitive Step by Step GuideFinally -be sure to setup some keyword alerts - especially for "Dayton" so you can jump into local conversations.See you around the forums!

It was a tough decision,as it is often more difficult for me to say "no" than "let's do it and make it work" so I saw this as a great growth step for me as an investor.

I have an umbrella policy and with financed property, I may not be as worried as I should be about taking the next step.

@PaulTimmins and @ElMooro #greatwelcome and good first steps guidance, thanks for taking the time.

If you feel lost in the process then yes you should bring someone in who can hold your hand through the process, but if you feel like you have a handle on the transaction then I wouldn't add an agent into the mix because it will cost for their help.You could get some help from your local real estate club or find a mentor that will help you for free (you can buy them a small gift for helping you) but there are a lot of smart, experienced people who are willing to give you a hand if you get stuck.But if you still feel like you need some to take you through the process step by step then get an agent.I hope this helps and good luck :)

Monitor and collaborate with their buying and selling clients online throughout each step of the search.

The next step would be to physically write the offer and get it under contract.

The best of luck to you because you have already taken the first step.