Welcome to the site @Mike Loughryif you want to invest in Cleveland the 1st thing you should do is educate yourself on the different types of neighborhoods we have here.

get as much education as you can about the game, networking is IMPORTANT so dont leave that part out attent local meetups and rei events (the free ones ).

Since you have already identified your niche, the best bet would be to 1) educate yourself via books and podacts2) network with like-minded investors via REI clubs and events.

And, I'm personally on the hook for any loan defaults.While we continue to aggressively drop the price and hold open houses, I've called number of cash-for-homes companies but have been told it's outside their typical purchase criteria.

I was asked to transfer in my company to Columbia and continue to work full time managing on our evening shift.

Yes, we still continue to invest in SFRs. 

Since i plan on continuing to grow both my trading account and my real estate portfolio, aligning now with an accountant that can maximize my potential with appropriate tax shelter engineering is almost as important as my investments themselves. 

Seems like your experience as a title agent will be a huge benefit as you continue on this journey - and you'll be a great addition to the forums with that expertise!

If you're planning on continuing to buy for years and years then the exact timing is minimized-some you'll buy up, some you'll buy down, and they'll all average out.

It's great that you're getting started with your education and looking to take action.