Consider factors like proximity to amenities, schools, and transportation when evaluating the duplex's location.By carefully researching the Cincinnati market, conducting a thorough cash flow analysis, and potentially seeking expert guidance (good start would be an investor friendly realtor), you can make an informed decision about your duplex investment and potentially enjoy the benefits of long-term rental income.

I like ground-up development, particularly affordable housing, and my ideal deal is building the last multifamily community in an otherwise built out and bustling neighborhood with lots of entertainment, transport, and employment diversity. 

.- Location location location, find areas with high growth potential think up-and-coming neighborhoods great schools and easy access to transport the best deals are in areas with future potential.Rule number two.- Do your homework analyze the market crunch the numbers and understand the risks know your cap rates cash flow and exit strategy.Rule number three.- Think long-term don’t chase quick deals, real estate is a marathon not a sprint focus on building wealth overtime with strategic investment.Rule number four.- Network network network, surround yourself with the right people build relationships with other investors agents and contractors your network is your network.

Replacing keyboard jobs is phase one (next thing would be trucking and transportation in general, uber, doordash etc) which would lead to a lot of people not having much money to spend and really drive a recession.

If you look at the actual requirements for skirting FHA/Conventional does not actually require blocks, just enclosed with approved materials. 

High-demand areas like those near schools, hospitals, or transportation hubs help reduce vacancy risk.

Neighborhoods like these that feature modern open air malls like Pike & Rose, good proximity with easy transportation access to many different major employment hubs, options for a suburban / urban lifestyle mix with proximity to essential services and entertainment / experience focused retailers while offering tight knit community aspects and the ability to buy at a lower price per square foot, and much of their total infrastructure and development pipeline in the future that will keep in mind current preferences of residents, are the types of neighborhoods that are setup perfectly to appease to what the vast majority of people are looking for in a rapidly changing, post pandemic, hybrid work environment.

Proximity to schools, public transportation, and amenities like shopping centers can make properties more attractive to potential tenants.

I live abroad, but I will be in Portugal in December and I'm planning to visit Entroncamento and talk with local real estate brokers and other locals to better understand the rental market there, to have more information for my analysis.I'm looking to locations close to Lisbon and with good infrastructure (transports, social, manufacturing, etc) with prices under 60k, because I think in 5 to 10 years, they can have  appreciation between 20% to 40% in some cases.Thats my experience with investing in Barreiro, In less than a year I have aprecciation around 20%-25% in 2 apartments that I bought under market value in the beginning of 2020 and rents are around the 1% of acquisition value.I also plan to talk with some banks to understand better what refinancing solutions are available in the market.Regards,Mauro

Some additional context on the area: There are 10+ new housing developments going up within a one-mile radiusA major public transportation hub is being renovated next to my neighborhoodA large indoor sports complex has been proposed less than 2 miles away  I earn around $48,000/year (not including rental income) and would love input on: Creative ways to get into my second deal while juggling renovation-related credit usageWhether a HELOC vs full refinance makes more sense in this situationHow to maintain momentum and keep scaling while building cash flow  Appreciate any advice or real-world experiences — especially from anyone who scaled up after their first house hack.