But sometimes more was needed and we had a pre-approved list of referral services we could provide to a caller (phone numbers and street addresses in those days).

unfortunately, i don't. my neighbor across the street is a commercial hvac guy and might know somebody. will need to check in with him. try craigslist/homeadviser and ask for references. 

It's more common than you would believe.My recommendation - and take it for what it's worth - is to get your financial life in order and as soon as you are able without putting yourself on the street, buy you first deal.  

And what investor off the street would want to buy a condo with HOA fees.

Hey Linda, I'd be glad to help you out.the numbered streets by the Zoo and Tautphaus Park are pretty good places to live.

This looks like a decent deal depending on the condition of the property and the area it’s in/street it is on. 

I'm not picturing how else someone would get to a 2nd floor unit besides stairs.Is the garage on an alley behind the property, or is the garage that would normally be close to the main street simply behind the house?

Now for the good news, Dayton has a very vibrant investor community.

Knowing he was likely to deploy, we made adjustments to his lease to extend it 15 months so he can get settled and work on finding a new rental or buying a home (HOA doesn’t allow 3 vehicles or use of a 3rd parking stall, so once we’re all back, we work with management to get extended parking passes until we find a solution/park on the street or they find a new place for rent).

There is only one there, easy street