Brokers have two objectives. 

I want to be able to object to a lease, or to expenses being made, without being the manager.

@DaMare-A Smith I'd be glad to share some stories and help you brainstorm, check out my profile on bigger pockets and you can contact me directly through BP or via my digital business card! 

For example, San Antonio or Phoenix have had astronomic rent growth(think 20% +) in last few years, but projected rent growth in 2022 is still in the double digits even with rate increases.

My objective overall was to reduce my monthly "rent" (Income-expenses) to somewhere around the $500-$700 dollar mark. 

My objective was to shop until I found properties that I could buy at least 25% below market.  

That's why people get shiny object syndrome. 

I have also heard of Digital Credit Union but not sure of their seasoning requirements.

We have upgraded the baseboards to hydronic, and upgraded the old mercury thermostats to digital, and added insulation in all areas, which has helped to reduce winter time electric bills, but tenant turnover remains high due to lack of summertime cooling, and high wintertime electric bills (electric bills range from $50 to $400). 

Cincinnati is a great city and you can easily hit the 1% rule if not better. 50k down payment will get you a turnkey SFH that will cashflow as a long term rental, and most of the zip codes here are growing in the double digits appreciation-wise.