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

I’m in the Save $$ For the Future camp.I was also military, and I would prefer to have several months of income sitting in a safe place when the runway ends, so to speak.  

I am experiencing a LOT of demand for small homes &/or apartments that tenants are prepared to pay $700- $800/month regardless of utilities.The majority of enquiries are from older singles who are still working to support their social security & just want a safe, comfortable humble place to reside in. 

I have tried hiring v.a's from fiverr, well safe to say she was Lazy and clocks in on time then after an hour or two she goes missing.

Event though my STR's and MTR's are in safe neighborhoods, I chose to install cameras in order to "keep honest people honest".   

With a newly rehabbed property that might work for a couple years, but in the long run 5% is a better and more safe/conservative estimate IMO.5.

In addition, the owner of the home must not own more than three single-family homes.3) They are unable to provide sufficient documentation, such as the emotional support animal letter, that verifies the ESA is necessary for their health and well-being.4) The tenant provides fraudulent documentation attesting to their need for an emotional support animal (usually a fake emotional support animal letter).5) The landlord can demonstrate that making accommodations for an ESA would impose undue financial burden or logistical burden. 6) The animal is destructive to the property or displays threatening behaviors that could put other tenants or yourself at risk.7) The size or nature of the animal makes it impossible to house safely or humanely.

There are some simple maintenance things that you can do yourself to make sure the wiring is safe.

I moved here a decade ago and have been in the real estate market since so I can share data that can help you make a safe and informed investment decision.

There are lockable thermostats for commercial use, but I can't see that working in a rental.I think the main issue will always be that any thermostat that you can set a minimum temperature in will always be susceptible to this fail safe failing, due to the possibility the tenant could change it on purpose or on accident.I'd hope in a 4 plex as long as there is no building defect to the thermal envelope that it would be difficult for one units pipes to freeze as long as the other units were occupied, seeing as they share some common walls/ceilings.