Rents were well below market and substantial repairs were needed.

STR offers higher income potential, flexibility, and tax deductions but is subject to seasonal demand.

Make sure if you go into a contract (no option period), you require a substantial earnest money.

A recent study showed that 80 people are moving to this city every single week, which will continue to increase housing demand. what area of columbus do you recommend?

And in fairness, not worth doing if you're not making more than that anyway.If he does something like this and it exceeds the SGA (Substantial Gainful Activity) limit he would lose his disability right? 

But one thing you can do so they dont high jack your EM  remember both buyer and seller have to sign to release it if does not close.Is see if you can put up NO EM but put 50k as downpaymnet for the property show it as part of the purchase price then you can demand it back on just your sig

Use rental calcs to learn what is in demand and gets a premium. 

However, if the amount is substantial, you might want to compare Wise with a few other specialized currency transfer services, like OFX or Revolut, to ensure you’re getting the best deal on rates and fees.

You forget that he’s going to be out of country for substantial periods of time.

Given the high demand for industrial space, especially near major interstates, this could be a smart move.