This would be our first rental and I think it could be a good opportunity long-term, but it feels like there’s some red flags here.

Long and short.

and long-term relationships to help service my growing portfolio!

I am NOT interested in owning any more real estate (retired here man) so I had planned on just paying my 15% long term Capital Gains tax rate and moving on to my "safe money" retirement program of MYGA's / CD's and High yield Savings account / Bonds / some Stocks.

Terms negotiable.Why Shaker Heights Short answer: Purchased under 70% ARV-Reno, Duplex (two rents), desirable clean neighborhood, decent schools.

Could you please DM me and share your information and lending terms?

I would first start looking at the various strategies for saving massively on tax, mainly the short term rental loophole and real estate professional status and then decide if these strategies align with your goals.

but long term.. the only one making money here is the guy selling the so called system 

In other words, sufficient capital for the cash purchase of a property (plus rehab) and eventually refinancing the completed project to a long term loan.

You have to understand what is your strategy in the short, middle, and long term.