And don’t sleep on local banks or credit unions—they sometimes offer flexible portfolio loans that could work for a deal like this.Since your wife qualifies as a first-time homebuyer, check out any state-specific programs or HUD options for down payment assistance.

However, if the owner lives in Cuyahoga County or a contiguous county, the owner may be listed as the local agent in charge.

I would suggest going to the find a lender tab here on bigger pockets to find a local lender who has the same products. 

Instead you will cash flow right out of the gate and appreciation is faster in those states with TLC properties or adding things like an ADU, or Carriage home on a bigger lot.Most of my investors that live in CA purchase in those states listed above and in most cases its easy to introduce them to local Seasoned realtors Contractors, Handy Men/Women that can help them save money and feel secure about the distance from home to REI.

Usually, the confidence comes from more reps (seeing more homes and being more of an asset hunter not a spreadsheet warrior) and going to local meetups so you can meet all the other people nearby who are doing what you can't get yourself to do.

If you’re wondering how much equity you’ve built or how you can use it to meet your goals, connect with a local real estate agent to explore the possibilities.

I haven’t done my first deal yet, but through hiring a local contractor to build my personal residence I had this idea that I don’t hear people talking about.

@Kash Tacke I'm a big fan of ADU's in general especially here in the mid west, yes you could potentially be on the front of the wave, but housing density is the solution to the affordability issue, anytime you are investing with affordability in mind is a great strategy to me, and sound like there are some incentives or at least supporting winds form the local city, that in itself seems like it would be worth at least approaching an architect or contractor to bid up some plans or concepts to take tot he city.  

I know, why do you think I talk to you like a local lol.I used to swim in steven creek reservoir!

Happy to answer any questions and always open to any advice local experts are willing to share.