In 1980 a $20k duplex sounded expensive. 

The money the business pays you in salary is a deductible expense.

Additionally, with affordability and a median home price below the national average, Cleveland stands out as an attractive option for investors seeking a promising return.

I've included an example below to help illustrate this.So different lenders have different rates (which do vary even for DSCR loans) but these are factors they all consider.See example below:DSCR < 1Principal + Interest = $1,700Taxes = $350, Insurance = $100, Association Dues = $50Total PITIA = $2200Rent = $2000DSCR = Rent/PITIA = 2000/2200 = 0.91Since the DSCR is 0.91, we know the expenses are greater than the income of the property.DSCR >1Principal + Interest = $1,500Taxes = $250, Insurance = $100, Association Dues = $25Total PITIA = $1875 Rent = $2300DSCR = Rent/PITIA = 2300/1875 = 1.23DSCR lenders generally let you vest either individually or as an LLC.

Is there any advantage to doing something a little more expensive but perhaps in a better area?  

Also, I also see a lot of online courses on both topics which are expensive.

Average cost where we are now is like $5000 for set up, and you may not need a full foundation depending on the manufacturer requirements and what the lender requires.

Not to mention the  emotional toll it takes on a property owner and the aftermath of finally getting your property back then perform expensive repairs.  

If you google, "how much are closing costs" you'll get a result from Rocket Mortgage (most expensive lender) stating the fees could range from 3-6% of the property's value. 

PAYMENT DISBURSEMENTS - Incoming rents would come into a general rent account, replenish the maintenance fund for any expenses incurred through the month, take the PM fee, and then disburse the rest into the owners account.