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.. 

I am wondering what kind of lender might lend on a sizable EMD deposit, $100k.

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.

Needing only 5% down rather than 20% will help many people looking in this space.

I'm wondering if the rent projections are accurate.

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.

I rode around and managed to find a few people working on rehabs and found out who they were renting to, rents they were getting, and one guy was kind enough to walk me through his rehab project.

For years I told people the most dangerous spot for a real estate investor is 1 or 2 units.

The ADU isn't zoned to be there though, so I am wondering how much headache it is going to be to get it permitted and to get the lot re-zoned properly.

Tons of knowledge and great people here to help along the way!