I bought an outdated condo, planning to do a cosmetic rehab later when I had more budget.I moved out of the condo in mid-2024 for a job, and by September, my tenant noticed mice droppings.

Focus on the big moves: security, renovations, and cutting dead weight. 

They will do a slap dash job on a house that still has a bad roof and foundation in a neighborhood that will see zero appreciation. 

If not, cut it all out and put down some strong sturdy plywood.

I'm an investor here in Columbus OH myself and have seen the city's solid and steady growth with strong economic fundamentals driving the market like major companies moving here (Meta, Intel, Google, Amazon, etc), job growth, and population growth.

My job is flexible which I think would be important when trying to manage my first property so thats why .

I had more than one contractor do a great job on the first and then go downhill from there.

With their low income and it's unlikely they'll get a better paying job.

That is my day job.

Investments from CA tech companies is driving job and population growth.