Overall I think it is a good gameplan.One other option you might consider to scale faster perhaps is to buy the 1st two as owner occupied. 

Hi JohnYes, that's what I'm thinking- was hoping there might be a way to tap the equity in the church with a renovation loan, but not having much luck there. 12 percent is pretty well exactly what I'm looking at- debating whether less risky to just cash flow it slowly over time?

I probably won't be able to come on 4/17 since I'd be coming from Milton and it's over an hour away during rush hour traffic but if you have more during the summer months, the day job is a bit slower so that would be doable. 

(also, no debts at all and credit scores over 800).Really want to avoid selling current home and renting it back for a while from the buyer until I find another home, get a loan for the difference.

It's easy to see why buyers were captivated: Timeless elegance meets modern updates 4 spacious bedrooms 2 beautifully updated baths Over 2,800 sq ft of luxurious livingThe perfect blend of historic charm and contemporary comfort.

That's a decent area over there in Euclid / South Euclid, definitely not a D neighborhood, so as long as the property is in decent shape, you really should have no problem renting it out. 

Be careful to not spend a lot of money for nothing.Because I hate to be a party pooper and I understand you want to invest where you live (and you can't do anything about what the country is or does), this is what I'd do if I was in your shoes and wanted to use OPM to invest there:1.

Filing the tax return may result in getting a refund of over-withholding(if applicable)3.

Happy to look it over for you if you want to send it over.Regarding the legality of it, you'll need to consult a local real estate attorney unfortunately 

I invested some money into stocks and some crypto over the past few years.