About half the people I talk to are investors looking in that area.

If anyone has faced a similar issue with an HOA or has suggestions for next steps, I’d really appreciate your insights.

So - somewhere 2 hours away, or somewhere you like to vacation in, or where all your family lives, or where you plan to move someday.Too many people are trying to do exactly what you're doing - pick a market based on a formula - and they end up buying a random 'cheap' property thousands of miles away, turn it over to people they've never met or even spoken to, and then... lose money.  

They require all cash to buy so the people there have money.

I don't know where to invest, really drawn to Columbus for many reasons (some cash flow and stable appreciation)--what's been some people's positive and negative experiences in Columbus? 

I am always looking to talk to like minded people. 

People’s Republic of Asheville is more concerned with STR regulations than people living in boxes on the streets.

They are on the market longer and are not going at asking prices but some people are still being very aggressive with their asking prices so it really isn't a great indicator.

Some people will say, "Take out a quality Insurance Policy and you will be protected."

You also want to go to real estate investor meetups to get reps with people who do what you want to do.