Originally from Cleveland, OH, I moved to DC after I got out of college (Ohio State) and I am still an Indians/Cav/Browns fan!

I know the issue of hiring contractors has been discussed frequently, but I am shocked at how difficult it is.  

There's no fan or window in the bathroom.  

I personally am not a fan of turnkey however you have an advantage due to the fact you know the Kc market.

Zillow doesn't take that stuff into account at all - they don't have an algorithm to handle that complexity.I'm with Rhett - I'm a big fan of having properties that are free and clear.

@Justin Richards personally I am not a fan of Lake Michigan Credit Union for mortgages as they take far to long to close in my experience.

Also make sure to check under the lip of the baseboard if you can see into the wallI'm a big fan of vinyle plank floors, since they are almost industructible, and water proof.

I'm a bit south of you in Northern Virginia, but I get up to Baltimore a fair amount too- great market up there and I see good opportunities frequently.   

I have a couple of units who direct deposit to our rental bank account, but I'm not the biggest fan of continuing to give out the account number in order to make this happen (my bank doesn't offer Deposit Only cards, bummer). 

They also put out awesome weekly podcasts interviewing other real estate investors and ones answering frequently asked questions.