It sits between 3 of the most desirable areas in Cincinnati, but prices are still low.

I'm a graduate student, starting school this Fall and am feeling a desire to act on these real estate thoughts in the back of my mind.

Though it would be a pain to have to go through you lender for access to reserves, I understand the lender's desire to control the funds and, extensibly, give greater opportunity for success to the venture.   

@Chuck VanDyne  I'd be interested in any good 19th Ward properties, or others around the desirable parts of the city, that you find!

.• Likely to appreciate over time - While you should not buy a property only for future appreciation, appreciation is very desirable.

My partner currently flips properties in my town, and is interested in doing flips in other parts of the city, but does not have the time or desire to manage the properties further away.

Read the BP blogs and listen to the Podcasts, get active on the forums and connect with those in your desired markets and you are sure to be prepared for that first purchase.

I've always had a desire to learn the ins and outs of real estate investing.

Otherwise I'd just be buying houses at ARV if the net operating income numbers were that good because I'd be getting well above the assumed desired rate of return buying at ARV.

I feel the same exact way you do and have no desire to leave this area.