Once you have:A leaseProven rentA refinance timelinethen tools like portfolio loans, DSCR, local banks, or even private money start to make sense in a practical way.The Midwest markets you mentioned are solid learning markets.Cleveland, Cincinnati, Dayton, Pittsburgh all have workable price-to-rent ratios — the difference maker is less “which city” and more:Submarket selectionRehab disciplineTeam quality (agent + PM + contractor)One thing I’ll add for awareness: I’m a real estate agent based in Memphis, TN, and I help a lot of out-of-state investors execute exactly this kind of long-term, cosmetic BRRR strategy.

In real estate, every deal needs time, money, or experience — if you don’t have the last two yet, lean hard into putting in the timeA few practical moves that help a lot early on:• Start attending local RE meetups and investor events — relationships create opportunities faster than anything else.• Offer value to active investors (helping with D4D, tenant turnovers, open houses, admin work, etc.).

In practice, outcomes diverge based on how well renovations, turns, and ongoing maintenance are handled, especially if you’re remote.Older housing stock changes the math.A lot of Columbus inventory is 1950s–80s.

I want my clients implementing good practices at the start and getting their systems lined up BEFORE they have multiple properties.

New construction requires thoughtful planning — draw schedules, timelines, and exit strategies all matter.Having lending aligned with the build process reduces friction and keeps projects moving forward.Open to discussing construction scenarios and best practices.

Go to practical machinist & the other forums....if you're going to give them away, make rigging and drainage part of it.

Misunderstanding practical reality of escrow management. 5.

And will try 3% appreciation as I'm practicing running numbers, and consider going a little further out of the city. 

.• Vendors no-showing and pointing fingers• Owners blaming the coordinator when the repair itself fails• Gray area liability when something goes wrongIn practice, this is why most property managers bundle maintenance inside full management.

It is still full of practical tips, great forms and ideas and corny humor.