I estimate that there were about 60 people on the first day and it dwindled down to about 25 people on the third day.

Want to understand why our industry is reviled by most people?

Never, Never use your sellers property tax expenses to estimate your future property tax, this is a big mistake done my many people in the industry.If you haven’t sell your Main home where you are living yet you might consider to keep it, because your new home would be triple the amount your are paying right now.

It might weird people out thinking that you can listen in on them but it is a way to offer streaming audio on the cheap. $19.99-29.99 Blink Mini 2 (latest version) plug in smart camera with audio - https://www.amazon.com/Blink-Mini-2-Camera-White/dp/B0BWWZXW...So this is available as either standard or with the weatherproofing.

Many people rent theres out by the room to get the most rent out of their property instead of renting to family because theres only so much you can get on rents when a family lives there.

But when their business relationship with the actual bank soured, the API connection was severed and the people were basically left without access to their money.. 

Yeah people have little idea what a pain in the *** it is to locate and buy property in other countries.

I don't know any of them and don't want to just start buying them without recommendations from people that aren't trying to make a buck off of me.

You may also want to really consider trying to find an experienced partner after you have done a deal or two - this may be key to helping you reach your five year goal. 

Hi Michael,I like your thoughts of building a large portfolio because it's very important in sub $100,000 markets like Ohio.A large portfolio = A safe portfolio.Personally, I've always been a big believer in buying with cash.Less is more.Once you gain experience and understanding the true income vs expenses of your portfolio.Then look at using leverage for faster growth.It takes many years to learn a market along with establishing a solid understanding of it's "in's and out's" from a people/team perspective.As investors we should always reverse engineer and protect the bottom line first and foremost before looking toward expansion and growth.My "cash only" mentality has served me well over the years in my businesses and real estate endeavors.Especially when things turned South and they always eventually do.Start slow, start small, buy with cash and build from there.Just my opinion and wishing you much successps.