Businesses invite increased traffic, potential greater wear/tear, and potential community complaints (from neighbors, etc).  

I completely understand the potential pitfalls and will definitely keep it in mind as I plan and file taxes moving forward.Exploring alternative options such as commercial loans, private lenders, and hard money lenders is a great suggestion.However, I think that the FHA loan is what would better fit right now.Thank you once again for your valuable advice and encouraging words.

My goal: The main goal here is to increase the value of the home and appeal to potential renters in the future.

The upside of leveraging your deals is that your money can go a lot further, potentially accelerating your returns. 

With "potentially" wider profit margins, one can net more, and more frequently, with a flip than with a long term rental. 

Due to its potential to affect your capacity to obtain financing for properties, credit score is a significant consideration in real estate investment.

Opportunities for flipping houses are more favorable in most areas of Cleveland, particularly on the west and south sides with some potential on some parts of the east side as well.

My question is considering the above, what strategies exist that would allow me to leverage the free and clear condo such that I am expanding my portfolio, or am I kind of stuck in a holding pattern of waiting until these existing leases expire, and then potentially selling the properties?

Call the list OR Text BlastIn Detail:1) - Buy a data list (Can be any of the following)- High Equity Absentee Owners- Potential Absentees (Some individuals may not have changed their mailing address)- 20 Year Owner Occupants- Potential Vacant List- Age 55+ 6.- Vacant Houses- Empty Nesters- Tax Delinquent- Code Violations & Others (Probates, Pre-Foreclosures, water shut-off etc.)2) - Skip trace the list (you can use any providers)Here's some reputable ones that I've used:Batchskiptracing or "dataskip"If you're dealing with probate or if the primary owner is passed onSkipgenie (For manual individual skiptrace, these will also show the relatives of the person ).3) - Call the list - Pick up the phone and dial those numbers.You can use Calltools or Readymode (Whatever youre preference is)Cold calling is too hard for you?

If you're planning on purchasing investment properties in 2024 with financing, my advice is not to wait for potential future interest rate reductions.