The time has come for me to start investing in real estate and before doing so i'm looking to build a strong and dedicated team of partners: agents, lenders, contractors and property managers mainly in the Cleveland area (but also open to markets within a 2-3 hr drive away) that already possess an excellent track record in their line of work and that value long term collaboration.

@Giovanni BarbosaIt’s great that you're starting in real estate!

I started off with 3 houses on a lot and another house two lots down.

The terms may be more favorable, if you are just starting out a bank maybe nervous to do 3 at once, therefore their perceived risk will likely be reflected in less favorable terms.     

Just started our own firm investing in and managing property in our relatively new (~5 years now) home in Charleston, SC.Happy to be a resource to anyone and look forward to making quality local connections!

My 5 year old started Elementary in our neighborhood.

I would count on having at least half market rate tenants, in the event Section 8 rents are higher than market, which they are in our market (granted you will need to subtract the utilities from the rent).  

I have read the book on long distance investing and still am not too confident to get started.

It’s a little more work to set up, but if you get a solid property manager, it’s not as scary as it sounds.If I were you, I’d keep digging into the Capitol region, NJ, and CT—compare the numbers, and maybe even start building connections with agents or wholesalers in those areas.

The fact that you have already owned and sold a rental property gives you a great experience to start from.In terms of the best place to invest - that is whatever place meets your criteria, goals and investing style.Personally flips have not been working as well for me lately, but when we get the right BRRRR deal those are still working well.