In other words, our labor, which is finite, is contributing in a meaningful way to the returns in a way that is not necessary in a passive investment like the stock market.We do all that because it's a good business, but a lot of real estate investors get into trouble because they don't know that they are getting into a business, and when you subtract the value of your labor, I contend that the real return on capital is going to be around 7%, just like in the stock market.

Close contender CA cities: Oakland, San Leandro, Richmond.Turnkey solutions: Roofstock has pretty decent in service, limited listings/properties.

So I'd contend there are OH laws for us, and then there are laws for those who are de-facto exempt (or the regulators just don't want to fight).

In fact, I pointed out several above.Do you still contend that no serious investors have multiple businesses?

Even then there are always issues to contend with.

We do not have mudslides, earthquakes, constant fires,etc. to contend with. 

Also, note the "Related Discussions" at the bottom of the thread you started here.To answer your question... you need to define your market niche; establish your rental criteria; develop a good ad and info sheets; advertise on line and in other places that work for your area; be ready to field the calls/replies; tenant screen well with questions that will help you quickly sift out the rift-raft from the real contenders; be prepared to do full background checks... for rental history, income stability, credit history, and legal history.Also, if your properties have been sitting vacant for months, there is either a problem with the property or with the price.

Now I also contend that cash offers happen more on lower priced properties, so move your target there.

My wife is what I would consider fairly supportive but doesn't quite buy into real estate, and is  averse in general which creates psychological road blocks that I need to contend with. 

There’s more details, (exterior bearing wall, roof of sunroom, rafter connections, etc.) to contend with in your circumstance than just a support beam.