When a builder builds a new house that meets my requirements, in my price range, I move out of my duplex and into that new house. 

But then it was a nightmare of communication, we soon realized that we had to do a bunch of songs and dances to convince them to sponsor our deal, it took 4 or 5 days for them to make time to sit down with us only to tell us that we needed to schedule another meeting in another 4 or 5 days to get Tyler on the phone and let us try and convince them to sponsor us and by that time someone else was awarded the deal and we lost out.

MidSouth HomeBuyers specializes in rehabs and a vertically integrated model in Memphis and Little Rock.

Short of coming here and meeting face to face with them and come to a couple local REIA events to discuss, for those who are remote I would suggest getting into some of the NE Ohio REIA facebook groups to get some advice from locals.   

Also, when it comes to negotiating the rent: - Should I ask for a phone call or virtual meeting to discuss the price?

I had my first meeting with my accountant and she recommended NOT going with a cost segregation.

Obviously meet all safety requirements.

I know it's in the works, but we would be ready to subscribe and pay once that is finished, provided we don't come across something else that meets our needs in the meantime.

I suggest having him complete an application to determine if he meets your criteria.

Usually my time spent with newbies last a minimum of 1-2 hours on our first meeting (either in person or on the phone).