Turnover costs money and could potentially be your biggest expense as a landlord.

Off-market deals can sometimes offer unique opportunities and less competition, allowing you to potentially find properties at better prices or with favorable terms.On the other hand, for the Dayton and Cleveland areas, you may find that there are great deals available primarily through on-market channels. 

EDUCATE YOURSELF - yes, it will take time, but will lead to a selection that better meets your expectations & avoids potentially costly surprises!

I currently live in DC but am actively looking to purchase a single-family house in northern Virginia as a primary residence that can potentially be used for house hacking and/or a live-in flip.

Attend REIA meetings not only in your target investment areas but also in regions where potential out-of-state investors are based, Use LinkedIn to connect with real estate investors and groups.Engage in real estate forums like here in BiggerPockets, where many investors, both seasoned and new, gather to discuss opportunities, seek advice, and network. 

They can guide you on the potential for accessing equity through home equity loan or a HELOC.

I'd really appreciate it if the community could review my plan and share any insights or potential pitfalls I might have overlooked.

I am looking to open a conversation about the pre-screening for potential tenants.

My main concern is I want to make sure I offset any liability in perhaps the slim instance a tenant tries to sue me for potentially slipping and falling themselves or for whatever possible reason really.

Cost of moving furniture, potential damage to it, can be costly.