I know vacancy is a function of hundreds of factors, but in general, a property in close proximity to Ohio Stadium, downtown, the Convention Center, etc, - what is a conservative overall vacancy estimate for the year when used as an Air BnB type rental?

During that time I bought and sold two single family homes (SFHs) which I personally occupied, as well as buying 4 duplexes with conventional mortgages which I still hold today (25% down, 30 year conventional fixed mortgages).  

We are just refinancing a loan.Here’s how it works:You create an LLCYou buy a homeYour LLC gives you a loan for the homeYou file the deed for that loan at the county courthouseYou use the money from the LLC to buy and fix up the propertyOnce the property is completed, your conventional lender comes to refinance the loan Your conventional lender runs title and sees there is a loan.Your conventional lender refinances you into a new loan, and cuts a check to your LLC in the amount of 75% of the value.Please don't confuse this 75% with a "cash out" amount.

I have an additional city similar to Euclid that I believe would offer easier access to inventory and offers better schools and amenities with possible higher appreciation over the long haul.  

If there is a similar piece of land that you do not own then you could structure an exchange to fund both the lot purchase and the construction costs.You've hit on the conventional way to defer and possibly eliminate those taxes - the 1031. 

Inventory is low and because of my other business and obligations, I don't have the time to invest into yellow letter marketing or other methods that require a lot of extra time.

Through non-conventional financing and an owner occupied property yes it is possible.

Starting 10/29/18 the new rules take effect where you can do home possible conventional 5% down on 2-4 units while already owning other property.

Or should I just go the traditional route and put 20% down on a conventional loan.3.

The conventional financing rules have been 20% down on mortgages 1-6 and 25% down on properties 7, 8, 9 and 10.