We also painted the exterior, did lots of landscaping work, and installed a new privacy fence giving each unit a private fenced back yard.

Improvements included foundation stabilization and house lift in corner ~1.75", complete landscaping overhaul, 1 complete, 1 major and 2 minor bathroom remodels.

Real estate investors are always looking for decent electricians, plumbers, contractors, landscapers, pool builders, you name it.

Any suggestion which option I should chose based on current housing / recession landscape?

I am looking for alternative markets to put my money into.Through my research I've selected Birmingham, Memphis, and San Antonio as my front running markets.Give me a 3 Bullet Point list on why I should invest in Birmingham- Statistics are encouraged, however, I am also interested in the feel and vibe of the city and prominent areas.Looking forward to hearing your responses!

But, depending on the property you’re buying, you may not need to review every single one of these (this is where a real estate agent or broker can be helpful as well):Population and job growthHousehold median income trendsAccess to public transportation and amenitiesNeighborhood and school rankingsUnemployment rateCrime rateBusiness openings and closingsNew development activity that could help or harm your intended investmentProperty value trendsFair market rent trendsPercentage of renter-occupied householdsMarket vacancy trendsGross rent collectedMaintenance and repair expensesUtility expensesProperty management, leasing, and advertising feesInsurance expense including past insurance claims, need for flood insurance, and the cost of homeowners and landlord insuranceProperty taxes and potential increase due to change in ownershipProof that any sales tax collected on rent has been remitted and is up to datePhysical property inspections including structural and mechanical, wood-destroying organisms, radon, and lead-based paintTitle commitment on the property and legal descriptionMost recent ALTA (American Land Title Association) surveyZoning or use certificate for property in rural or unincorporated areasNew survey, septic report, and well water report for rural propertiesPhase I environmental report for property near industrial areasHOA covenants, conditions, and restrictionsHOA financial reports including P&L and balance sheetReview of seller financial statements including a copy of the seller’s tax return to verify income and expenses are true as reported to the IRS going back two or three yearsReview of tenant file including the lease terms and conditions, deposit amount, tenant application, and background and credit checksCopies of existing service contracts such as landscaper or current property managerList of all outstanding invoice and proof of payment for all work recently doneLien search to verify there are no existing worker’s liensHistory of insurance claims on the property going back three yearsVerification that property appraisal is for at least the contract purchase price if not moreCompare your pre-offer pro forma analysis to the seller’s reports to make sure the deal still makes sense.Good Luck!

Check crime statistics.  

I can be bias but I would pick Columbus vs anywhere else in Ohio :-) I'm happy to jump on a zoom with you to provide you with Columbus investment landscape so you can compare with your Akron properties before you make decisions.

We replaced the roof, HVAC, duct work, water heater, kitchen appliances, kitchen cabinets, floors, renovated both bathrooms, light fixtures, paint, major landscaping, and much more.

I am currently fixing/renovating the home, mostly DIY and mostly small/medium scale projects (kitchen reflooring, expanding shower in bathroom, landscaping), in an attempt to increase its value and make it “Rent Ready”.