Quote from @Richard Kim: I'm a fairly new small time out of state investor who owns a couple multi-family properties in Cleveland.

. ;-) I've bought a couple of probates but I found them driving for dollars (unkempt properties) and then tracked down the status. 

Had structural issues (wall caving in) that I addressed a couple years ago.

I have a young married couple who is looking to get their first apartment together to move out of their parents house.

I’ve hit my financial goal and can quit buying houses. 2025 goal: pay off my last two 401k loans I used to buy a couple houses and enjoy a second home we just bought for ourselves in November.

In most of those cases, their broker took a high fee and the investor didn't end up with a great deal.Here are a couple of things that are a tipoff you are not working with a broker with your interests at heart (1) they want to pull your credit before having a conversation, or (2) they send you a long list of things you need to provide them before learning about you and your deal.The conversation should start with why you are interested in REI, then understanding your strategy to get there.

I have had a couple of long term tenants who struggled to pay rent on time but always paid and took good care of the property so I worked with them. 

At the last show I attended, our booth was directly across from a RE broker of RV Parks.

But a couple more points to consider regarding that1.

Also, consider joining local real estate investment groups in the Ashtabula area - even if you attend virtually.