I really see Columbus Ohio as an extremely safe bet for the next 10-20 years.

See attached Excel summary sheet.Investment Highlight89% Physically OccupiedSupply Index in a 3-mile radius of 6.8 SF/Capita, 5-mile radius of 7.7 SF/Capita, and 10-mile radius of 8.3 SF/CapitaAdditional Income generated from 4 mobile home lots and 1 mobile home (Not Verified, as thus not included in underwriting assumptions)Key Underwriting AssumptionsDown Payment 25% of Purchase PriceEstimating a CAPEX/Repairs cost of $150,000Estimating Operating Reserves of $10000Stabilized Vacancy and Concessions/loss to lease at 10%Using a cap rate of 7.23%Key Demographic DataTotal Square Footage 21,130 Supply Index: 6.3Population 3,338 1 Yr.

Your best bet is the highest money down conventional you can do.

I can't take a chance on felons, even though they, in many cases may be a better bet than some the losers with which I've had to deal. 

Still believe that:1) With 3D Tours, floorplans and walk-thru videos (taken & shared by listing agent with buyer agents) there's little need for an investor to physically see a property.2) Agents should better set expectations with investor buyers, so they understand that with #1 above and a great inspection, there's no need for them to physically see a property. 

How hard will it be to bet appropriate permits for the alterations (2 rooms and bathroom). 

Established developers with a history of successful projects are generally safer bets. 

When I said how many properties do you look at, I didn't mean physically visit and look at; I meant properties you reviewed, in case I was not clear. 

No current liens but these properties have tax deeds, not warranty deeds if that matters.That as-is value is going to make obtaining financing more difficult for sure.Financing options drop off pretty steeply below a certain dollar amount because foreclosure costs for lenders can be significant.Your best bet may be to connect with some local private lenders (local investor meetups/referrals are a good starting point for this) or local banks.

You best is bet is usually to match existing.