In other words, the expense saving was rather certain but our chances of recovery on the PG seemed slim.We completed the deed in lieu over the summer and began marketing the properties immediately.

Hi Lawrence, Here's my short advice check Due Diligence, Understand Owner Financing Terms, Seek Professional Guidance, Market Research, Financial Analysis, Risk Management, Long-Term Vision.

If so, how was the lot with the house on it impacted in terms of market value? 

…Here's the latest market report (based on single family homes): Mortgage Rates:30-year conventional rate today is 7.01%30-year VA rate today is 6.50% Median Sales Price:April: $476,000May: $475,995June: $485,000 New Listings:April: 1,957May: 2,141June: 1,875 Median Days on Market Until Sale:April: 12May: 12June: 13 Months Supply of Inventory:April: 2.2May: 2.4June: 2.3 What does "Months Supply of Inventory" mean?

Cleveland is one of the most popular markets on this forum.

If I'm you I would focus on getting a long-term rental property and learn the market that you are investing in.

Stay informed about the current market trends and clearly define your goals :)

However, the saturation of the market seems to worry me a little.

If rates were to drop, you can now feel confident in selling your home, paying off the HELOC and getting a new downsized home at a lower rate than the current market.

But currently my goal is only to continue to buy maybe 1-2 off market holding/investment properties a year, so I generally didn't use these services enough to continue the subscription for long.