I've also noticed West Ashley / Johns Island struggles to reach the 1% rule.Are others seeing this as well or should I find an agent who is in the loop w/ off-market opportunities?

Well from my experience the strategies that grow net worth the fastest require the most time.

The second roommate would pay each month in crypto to the other for their portion.Interesting situation but worked well for both of them. 

Looking to connect with a friendly agent that knows the Ohio market well.

The real answer is It depends, without more info.It is well worth getting things set up on the front end.

From listing investment properties in Akron and Cleveland I would do my homework to make sure tenants are indeed paying rent.

I’m having a hard time deciding as well.

That is a cost, but well worth it to have that equity available to leverage to make larger returns.

This will bring you to the spreadsheet as well as the video on how to use it.  

Crypto is always very volatile and as for stocks, well we're real close to a record for the Buffett indicator (stock market value / GDP) which along with some other indicators, makes me think it's likely overvalued.