I bought my third property in another state because 1) I wanted to force myself to learn how to prepare a property for rent without spending a bunch of my own time working on it and 2) I couldn't find deals in my market.The latter was more due to inexperience.

I’ve found better quality hoods, fans, and lighting fixtures cheaper than the big stores or than my contractor can find them.

As far a books on management go, check out Brandon Turner's book on managing properties which you can find here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/store/managing-properties-digital as well as the Landlord Survival Guide by Jeffrey Taylor

Any Cincinnati investors out there that have bought in Price Hill area before?

We did something similar to this when we bought out of state. 

Hello all,I am brand new to RE investing and have been fascinated by all the opinions and strategies posted by others!

Wondering what the best solution might be..Prop 1:  Bought 2011, FHA 3.5% w/ PMI; MV ~185k; Loan Bal 92k; HELOC 36k @ 5% floating off Prime (drawn to pay for down pmt on other property); Rental (performing)Prop 2: Bought 2014, FNCL 3.875% w/ PMI; MV ~ 260k; Loan Bal 173k; Rental (performing)Prop 3: Bought 2018, FNCL 4.625% w/ PMI; MV ~440k; Loan Bal 356k; Owner Occ / Primary - Saving the detail, to get the deal I had to put up more down payment than I would have liked to... 

Some of the larger expenses-Interior/Exterior Paint, Storm shutters for a few of the front large windows, added additional cabinets to one unit,  New refrigerator from Dent/Scratch store after old one died,  Laundry units that tenant pays +$50/mo for etc. 

We bought the house 2 months ago knowing the pump situation isnt best and were going to replace it during a renovation anyway.

It is very awesome you started your own student-ran organization at Wayne State it will start to build a brand foundation for you.