I think the high taxes are a trade off for the value the properties retain (since they are next to Cleveland), and there are great schools around that attract quality tenants.So would you rather pay higher taxes and rent to families and possibly increase occupancy % and have an added exit strategy in the future of being able to sell the property to someone for financing (it won't drop below 50k), or save on taxes and deal with those other issues.I think the biggest issues to deal with is the knob and tube wiring and lead paint.I have great connections for the mechanicals (roofing, electrician, plumbing, and carpentry).

I used to put emphasis on looking for someone with good employment history(minimum 1yr), tell them that I'll do a credit check and how I'd look for references from non-relatives i.e. their previous landlord(s) would be contacted.

If they have counsel, that will probably be your cheapest option, since you will only have to pay for time.If that isn't an option, different firms charge differently, and firms with a heavy real estate emphasis may streamline the process and reduce the payment.

It would be a really strange typo, though.Craigslist and other user entry sites have much better mechanisms for flagging bad listings.

I'm happy about it, though, because my wife and I overcame analysis paralysis and learned from the process.Here on Bigger Pockets, I'm hoping to meet and compile a list of buyers and sellers, and I'd like to find referrals for every type of team member you could think of: attorney, accountant, contractors, buyer's/seller's agents, private funding, mechanics, property managers, etc.

That is guru stuff to sell systems or programs, not selling or buying real estate.Think of RE investing or business as an art and science, not a mechanical process so much.

Upgrading the mechanicals, finishing a basement, installing granite countertops, there are dozens of ways to spend thousands of dollars improving a house.

If I'm off base because I do not wholesale, sorry but I think the mechanics of people's trust in the process and wanting to close a deal are the same.

He could put mechanics liens on your properties as it sounds like he knows how to game the system. 

so good job on that.Make sure parking is sufficient, and that city has no major assessments like street improvements coming down the pipeline.. that will cost you $$ in the near future.As far as mechanical, roof, ect..unless your a expert have someone inspect..