I want to learn about investing in Columbus, GA

[Anna Watkins]

My high school senior is applying to Columbus State for Fall 2016, and we're headed down for a campus tour at the end of January.  I'm a buy-and-hold landlord here in Metro Atlanta (Decatur/DeKalb area) and would love to do some neighborhood drive-throughs while in town.  I don't know much about living in Columbus -- which are the "nice" neighborhoods and which are considered "scary" by locals.

What are good areas for B-ish class SFR rentals -- where do young professionals rent, and where do students who want to live off-campus rent? What's the differential for folks choosing to live on the Georgia side, and those who choose to live in Phenix City (Alabama). How do investors in the Columbus area network? Is there a source you can point me to so I can try to educate myself?

If The Young Man decides on CSU (I'm very hopeful!), it could well be a great area for me to get involved in (and to start getting him interested in real estate too -- cross your fingers).

Thanks all!