I think you'll get more bang for the buck in Cleveland  on your primary house and for REI properties maybe a little better in Cleveland but it will depend on your strategy.Make sure to maximize your wife's VA programs when you do buy something.If you plan to drive to Buffalo often Cleveland is a better choice.If you like warmer / more consistent weather Columbus would be better although as compared to Buffalo both places have better weather and milder winters.Both cities have a lot of newer restaurants and hipster gentrified artsy areas on the rebound.  

Though the neighborhood area to the immediate north seems to be rebounding significantly in the last 10 years or so (thanks to local govt stimulus/gentrification). 

Portland's proven that it crashes less and rebounds faster than the suburbs.

Her advice was to take your risks (leverage)  when you are young -- that way you have time to rebound if  you fail.   

I feel like if the market turns around having the view and being right in the middle and on the boardwalk, this property will rebound at some point. who knows?

But glad you rebounded into the Bay Area ..

One was a rebound when I was outbid and the first winner didn't get it done, one was where I just impressed the seller in the interview call (must have been an "on" day!)

But they rebound, are hard working but cant get financed for a loan due to low credit scores.

FWIW, even if this deal doesn't work out like you want, you probably won't lose big and you're young enough to rebound even if you do.

Over 50% in a few months puts a huge smile on my face...I didn’t see that, that would be a nice rebound.