Local vs 2 hour drive for investment properties in Ohio and equity questions

[Jason L.]

Hi, 

I'm debating between investing locally near Akron, OH and Columbus, OH. Columbus is about two hours from Akron. I have a good realtor locally in Akron (my brother). It seems like Columbus is doing better when it comes to property values rising with a little more appreciation in property values than Akron. The Akron area has some cash flow opportunities but at the end of 15 years a property in Columbus would be worth more. It also sounds like there are some cash flow properties coming up in Columbus as well. Is it worth the extra hassle of buying out of town? 

I'd have to build the core 4 wherever I invest. Any thoughts on this would be useful. I have started reaching out to a few people on the forum that seemed active in Columbus. I would love to network with anyone in the Akron, OH area as well. 

Lastly, I own a duplex that I'm finishing the renovation on and am wondering if there's a way to use the equity in our duplex to leverage a brrrr or a buy and hold. Should I plan on using cash or is there a way to use equity for a down payment. My goal is to get more cash flowing properties to start.  

Thanks in advance for the knowledge everyone brings to the forum. 

Jason