Two standout locations in North Carolina—Gastonia (28052) and Kannapolis (28081)—continue to offer solid investment potential.

Quote from @Brandon Croucier: That’s a killer loan if they are actually offering that.Seems extremely below market value as even primary mortgages are higher than this right now.I would beware of a bait & switch on this. 

For example, if I were to invest in Columbus, Ohio, could anyone share their insights on which neighborhoods or parts of the city offer good returns?

I will start from the offer stage. 

It had multiple offers the day it was listed (like everywhere) but now the financing of the buyer is falling through. 

Unless you are someone who is going to take advantage of the leverage offered in an FHA loan, I am generally in favor of purchasing investment real estate in an LLC.  

Traditional bank loans can be slow and have strict requirements, while hard money and private lending seem to offer more flexibility.For those who’ve secured funding before, what’s been your experience?

The owner didn't have to deal with any of it, as we offered to take care of it for her.

However, full site visits, though more expensive, maximize tax savings by capturing every depreciable asset and offer better audit protection.While online studies may be suitable for simpler properties, full site visits are ideal for complex or high-value properties.

Do not get excited about getting a low offer signed by the seller as the lenders valuation will be the ultimate determining factor of approvable sale price.