Usually works and gets rid of him, And you could then occupy the property in time for your FHA requirements 

I will tell you it has not been a quick process at all - the chances you are going to call/mail/etc someone at the exact moment in time they happen to have decided to part with their property, or are considering doing so, are quite low when you think about it, especially given the circumstances of how you are approaching them and so forth. 

Don't quit your job. especially when you are starting its good to have a solid W-2 to fall back on in times of capital stress and lenders want to see that. save save save. the most important aspect is buying that first property to catapult you into the REI world. sure you can wholesale or get a license to sell RE, but honestly I think the market is pretty saturated with these positions.

I am NOT referring to you and I fully apologize for any intimation to that effect.

I cannot speak from experience in OH but I can say you will want to become intimately familiar with your area. 

Thoughts at this point in time?

For me, If I could go back in time, before I had kids and settled, knowing what I have learned, I would have looked for 3-4 unit multi family in need of rehab and done an FHA loan with a 203k loan.  

This seems like a good metric to use.But as other people mentioned, this is mostly a snapshot in time as opposed to a moving picture of a neighborhood's path. 

My comments are on the business, the "Pro's" which I do know, intimately.

I am not a property manager at this point in time but I do intend on making that a goal within the next 6 months.