You can also look for local investors or meetups and get first-hand recommendations.

Gaining long-term equity and having renters cover most of your mortgage is a great investment strategy, especially if your local real estate market suggests that selling may not yield the desired returns at this time.Regarding your plans to purchase a home in Ohio with a lower monthly mortgage, I would suggest exploring the local real estate market and looking for a property that suits your needs while keeping costs manageable.

You can do something simple like transform a garage or unfinished basement into a "wellness center" for about $10K and then make business connections with local yogis, wellness practitioners, hold meditation retreats and specialized events.

Will you be investing locally?

Read as many books as you can, and start attending local real estate meet ups in your area.

I am mostly interested in buy-and-hold deals of SFH up to $150K.I would be happy to get to know agents working in the area and start building a local team.

As a local investor and agent here in Columbus, let me know if you have any questions or want to connect!

However, it is important to review state and local laws regarding landlord-tenant relationships, as restrictions may apply in certain jurisdictions.

I have not used an agent before, and I've heard mixed things about that.My personal strategy has been to make up small business cards or flyers and then have somebody place those in the areas where my tenants are likely to be, such as local grocery stores, laundromats, restaurants, and so on.

Here are a few tips to help you get started:Attend Local meetings: Look for seminars, networking events, and meetings focused on real estate investment in the Houston region.