If your properties are short-term rentals (7 days or less), there are different rules. 

I don't know anything about this process as well as California laws which are, im sure, entirely different than the ones in Vermont.

I notice a big difference in quality of agents in different markets and especially different price points... most of the agents I work with are actually great, but not all are. 

Is it a good idea to buy a duplex as a first investment or different real estate properties ?

But every other month we are at about $2000-3000 surplus.If we stay or buy a second home and rent 1st, the difference is about $1000 in our pockets.I don't want to make an untimely decision on buying home by missing some kind of interest rate change, based on short term financial struggles when 10's of 1000's of $$$'s could be made.

Make sure you work with a contractor that clearly understands the loan since they get paid differently than other jobs.

I was hoping to get some help and insight on different neighborhoods in Akron.

Separately, It is possible to find deals still, but you need to look at it from a different perspective.

.- every investor reaches a point where their DTI is trashed and they have to move into different loan products. there are tons of lenders out there that specifically work with REIs & have many ways to navigate this. don't let DTI concerns keep you from moving forward. - LLCs provide minimal legal protection in case of an incident. work with an asset protection attorney to come up with a better plan if they are that concerned. also have great insurance and an umbrella policy. 

I know a few in different areas of the state.