In retrospect pole dancing is NOW considered a 'sport' & may soon be an Olympic contender. 

He argues that Toledo City Council does not have the authority to outsource enforcement of a city ordinance to another government agency, which in this case is the Toledo-Lucas County Health Department.City officials contend that thousands of children continue to test positive for lead poison and they point to testimony from health-care officials who blame Toledo’s blighted housing stock, much of which has become rental property, as the source of the poison.For Toledo children, especially those who are predominantly poor and live in rental properties, the situation of lead exposure has become critical, health experts have said.Despite legal challenges, the city has moved forward with enacting the lead-safe certification requirement, which was set to be implemented through a 10-phase process.Properties identified through the census tract as having the highest risk of lead exposure are listed in the first phase of the lead-certification requirement, in which the deadline was supposed to be March 31.

Of course, control your lifestyle, but you might have more expenses.You'll need to keep up with your real estate properties, e.g. remodels and maybe 1031's to handle your tax liability.I still contend to expand into other investment avenues, especially more passive and perhaps "less complicated" tax liability situations.Good luck. 

Markets like Cleveland and Columbus offer interesting possibilities as well.If cashflow is your top priority, Cleveland's reliable rents and predictable income could be a strong contender. 

I should have also included "show me one that could be a 2% contender".

My wife is what I would consider fairly supportive but doesn't quite buy into real estate, and is  averse in general which creates psychological road blocks that I need to contend with. 

You need to be very careful about who you hire, because if they know you are an absent owner there are many who will seek to take advantage of the fact.I would try to find a trustworthy management team with foreign owner reviews/testimonials.If Italy is a top contender, my husband and I also help foreign investors by being "on the ground".

traffic in the unit,, 1 person verses multiple people equal more wear and tear and your building will show it.I'd go single person,, don't do rent in advance,, or let it spill over what your paid this year for next years rental income / taxes.. section 8 requires a inspection if your unit doesn't pass you'll be delayed in placing the other tenant and the paperwork required is alot to contend with. 

Id contend, and Im curious to know what @Ned Carey thinks of this, that the biggest challenge is the municipal risk involved in Baltimore, with a local government that is largely anti-landlord, and a city constantly on the verge of bankruptcy. 

Cash is still king but it def helped make me a contender in a tight market.