However, if there are utlities in that market on 30 or 90 day billing cycles, that could be the issue. 

I've put 4000+ miles on the truck in the past two weeks (and more last winter) driving the western US and window shopping many towns and markets.

Let me caveat by saying I do not know the Cleveland market.

You could buy a distressed SFH, live-in-flip, and increasing the market value much easier.

This is often a losing proposition for the seller, unfortunately.Granted - when a house in in disrepair and would be hard to market otherwise, it is a path forward for the seller.  

Hi All,  Wanted to get an opinion, how is it to invest in Fresno CA or look for other markets outside CA?

What markets did you like?

You just have to find the one used in the local market. 

After going back and forth, taking the property off and on the market, bobbing and weaving on the price, waiting a couple of months to see any real action come in, I landed a client that was interested in the house.

Based on national averages, the home should rent for $1,500 or more.If you don't keep up with market rates you will attract lower-quality renters, you won't have money to make major repairs, and you'll eventually get behind on maintaining the property, which means it will appreciate slower, attract worse renters, rent for lower rates, etc.