If you're truly wanting to start a real estate business, you start by building relationships.

The keys that I’ve discovered up north is to build your relationships with realtors and people in the trades to get the best beat on what’s for sale off market, and to keep an open mind out for alternative uses for buildings maybe no one else wants that you can purchase for a discount and then repurpose easily to fit your needs.

Given how competitive both of those markets are, I would start calling brokers and building relationships.

It's nice to have an established relationship now that I have this 1 deal under my belt.

I'm looking to scale my efforts in Cincinnati by developing a relationship with a portfolio lender in the area that will work with an out of state investor like myself. 

Community is based on relationships and people helping people.

Or would it be wiser to use it to start some type of real estate business, while living in a rented house?

Do they have an existing relationship with a leasing agent to fill vacancies?

There is a lot you can ask, just build a relationship with one that you can trust that is for your best interest and will work towards your goals.

Build a relationship would be great!