I don't know where to invest, really drawn to Columbus for many reasons (some cash flow and stable appreciation)--what's been some people's positive and negative experiences in Columbus? 

A duplex is a great way to start because that renter will help with your monthly out of pocket costs and it's a convenient way to get into real estate investing.

@Stacy A Stewart are you looking to purchase an investment property or primary residence with financing?

Nor do RE investing styles! 

Simon, my investment group does lots of properties in Pitt. 

For financing, there are programs like FHA loans for first-time buyers, and there may be local or state-level programs offering incentives for affordable housing investments.

Investment Info:Single-family residence buy & hold investment.

We also tell them that we charge $25 per hole for TV mounts, shelves etc I think that $10 up-front investment has reduced the number of issues by probably 80%.Our walls are textured (sand textured in Milwaukee, orange peel textured in the western suburbs - yes, there is an actual dividing line), so we try to avoid the usual palm-sized patch and fill only the hole without making it bigger, so we can get away without texturing.

Investment Info:Single-family residence buy & hold investment.

I wish I had just invested that money actively.