The property that I have in MI is performing well and I think I can get 2 or 3 there that will attract better quality renters in general.

A coin operated washer and dryer should pay for any increase in water or electricity and would most likely attract a better tenant class 

Here are some of the pros and cons that I see:Pros:Property management costs would be lower over the life of ownership due to proximity of homes in portfolio, low maintenance flooring, siding, etc.You could build them with more robust systems(HVAC, plumbing, etc) knowing they would always house rentersYour portfolio would be concentrated as opposed to spread all over a geographical areaYour exit strategy would be super attractive if you were to sell as a packageQuicker than purchasing and potentially rehabbing an older property, and accumulating them one by oneYou could sell a percentage of them to recoup a portion of your investment, and rent the rest, which should put you with solid equity from the gateCons:Entry costs and length of time from start to first months rental income for constructionFunding the construction, or finding the right lender to fund such a property/developmentKnowing the correct price point of the finished product, or what the community is lackingLocal zoning or possibly being prohibited to build SFH to rentHigher construction costs vs. multifamily(apartments or townhomes)I know there are many other strategies out there, but as one wanting to accumulate a nice rental portfolio, this seems to be a solid approach.

Regardless of city, I'd prefer some walkability to attractions beyond cool restaurants for STR.

We have an attractive property where we plan to fund 50 percent of the investment, and are looking to work with a private lender on the remaining 50 percent.

Wholesaling is an advanced strategy but it attracts many beginners because it's cheap to start.But the truth is, if $997 is a bit much for you, you won't have the budget to be successful.

What you need here is a very strong deal that can attract investment partners.

I think one key would be to attract a "property manager" to occupy one of the units in the multi.If you want some advice on akron suburbs, contractors, or a local realtor PM me.Best of luck!

I feel that any market that has good numbers will attract more investors until the numbers stop making sense.

When u look at the property think about what type of tenant it will attract.