The emotional attachment to the idea of paying off my mortgage early still looms large in my brain though.

At the early stages, the more control you have over your real estate, the better returns thus I recommend investing locally to make your dollar go that much farther and gain a good familarity with real estate before exploring out of state investing.

Specifically regarding plumbing you could add (depending on your State or Local Laws) "... unless determined by repair person that such blockage occurred during the time Tenant controlled the Premises and due to some fault or negligence of Tenant, specifically excluding blockages caused by roots or backups from the street..."

Columbus has ranked on the top 10 markets that outline that for the past 6 months at least. the best place to buy new builds is in higher priceopint markets but where the costs haven't gotten out of control. besides that I'd recommend working with a vertically integrated land development, real estate development, and new construction firm or design build firm who also understands market conditions. 

@Adriana V Alvarado you'll learn more and have better control over a local house-hack versus an OOS rental.Just be careful of the tenant-friendly climate in California.

You would maintain management control while giving them a return on their investment.Is $6k-$7k Cash Flow Enough to Attract a New Partner?

I had no trouble getting it under control and I got a nice deal in the process. 

I I like to be in control  

Also there is an Alcon can factory, a Sunny Delight beverage factory, Emerson controls factory, some kind of prison near Bonham, another near Gainesville. 

I would be skeptical of one who offers all because they would then control how your income and expenses are being coded and they could be doing something nefarious.