That’s a really great idea - since we hope to have a diverse range of properties through various markets, having a core lender we can continue to return to seems like it would be less complicated logistically. 

Hard money can help you diverse your portfolio in order to optimize your door to door cash flow.

This is the awesome thing about so much diversity, no two minds will think alike.

@Lance StokesI do primarily creative financing on the buying and selling,So I don't have yet much of the contacts you are looking for.And again Indianapolis is a big city with diverse 'hiring powers'But I feel it's ain't competitive and crazy as Cincinnati.

For starters what's your Location A,B,C,C+ D areas etc, school districts, economies, diversity of jobs, specific population amounts etcCondition/ Repairs needed year of homeProfitability Criteria Anything else you care to add. 

In addition, I see a lot of folks on BP saying the midwest and select markets are great for cash flow, and that properties meet the 1% rule, but once again fail to recognize the tradeoffs such as annual appreciation, population growth, job diversity, etc. 

On the topic of Columbus though, the city actually has a pretty diverse market when it comes to 1-4 units.

You pay for the amenities and the diversity in culture.

He is not familiar with a self-directed IRA.A self-directed IRA is still a tax sheltered retirement savings vehicle, just with the capacity to invest more diversely than just the stock market. 

My criteria for picking the state to invest in is as follows: 1) Landlord friendly state 2) Low Property taxes 3) Low median home price4) Positive population migration/growth5) Diversity of employmentSo far I'm considering states like Ohio, Indiana, Alabama, Kentucky, Missisippi, and Tennessee.Any advice or insights into any of these markets?