@Matylda Lis a word of personal advice: I would avoid partnerships until you've established yourself as an investor and know what you're doing.

Her office is 2 blocks from Grand Central. 

@Hatim Barma I can refer you to some top notch agents in central OH, but Harvey and Brad would be 2 of the 4 I would say connect with first as they own their own investments, have solid networks/experience/exit strategies, and are loyal/dependable/honest/fast/communicatable, etc.

Control every little thing - so you can avoid unnecessary fuss in the future. 

It also occurred to me, couldn't I do a 1031 exchange to avoid the capital gains tax?

With what you are trying to do, there may be some structures we can come up with in order to avoid the securities world, but would need to dig into detail.  

Just looking to learn as much as possible about the local area and what areas to avoid. 

Even splitting up the buckets between parties and letting everyone participate in a central property management company, or only granting income shares not capital shares, would be better.

That said, I try and avoid ceiling fans, garbage disposals and appliances more generally to minimize those sort of calls.

@Robert Burris Try Equity Bank’s commercial guy out west on Central.