I have a few areas in mind that would appreciate nicely as well in the Phoenix/Scottsdale/Tempe areas. 

It’s my first deal so I was kind of worried about it, but I feel more confident now about how to move forward with this property, as well as any future properties. 

Your strong foundation in the stock market and tech background positions you well for success in real estate investing.

In Ohio you can find a lot of single family in the $100-200k range or 2-4 units in the $150-400k range that do pretty well cash flow.

Reducing risk requires at least some time spent in research and involvement in a deal.There are many other things you learn along the way as well. 

They had carpeted the bedrooms and common areas, and the living room was still original wood...well I decided to pull up the old carpet and lo and behold - original wood in pristine condition.

this works well if the tenant is a national user or multi unit operator who has built these buildings many times. 

So I would agree to instead get a lender that you can scale with.But it looks like you got a credit union to give you a good rate, better than most as well 

All depends on a lot of things.No experience with or have ever heard of that lender, but I will look into them as well. 

It's that simple.Doesn't hurt to have real hardwood floors and A/C as well.