Or what alternative plans do you guys recommend I can put in place to pay back my lender. 

Alternatively, if there is an online group of folks doing something similar, I'd really like to join! 

The company could attract new talent to the area, adding to the already competitive housing market.https://www.bizjournals.com/au...

For sure hard /private money may be a good alternative for you to scale up.

The  suburbs of Cleveland don't see much by the way of new development, so we're looking for a unique product that offers residents attractive rents and a comprehensive amenity package. 

Alternatively I could do a promissory note with a personal guarantee, which I understand better. 

You've got a good bit of feedback here that covers that gamut of what you generally hear around Section 8.I like it for guaranteed rent, long tenancies, higher rents in some areas, added accountability through the S8 program for the tenant and supply/demand gap which means I can attract great tenants by having nice units.A large number of the issues you hear around Section 8 can be fixed with excellent, thorough and strict screening, including a home visit at their current residence as the last step of your process. 

If retail is higher it attracts competitors that will undercut the market.

Alternatively you can also local colleagues/friends for a recommendation.

If you’ve got several units you can reasonably expect some to keep collecting rent, assuming you follow basic principles in terms of selecting a market, setting attractive market rates, seeking the best tenants, etc.