if you can build at 50% of after value I'd hire you and I build the cheapest of anyone I know in our market and minimum rates. there's 3 builders that build at our rate. only place I can get us to 50% equity is in miami florida and that is new construction that is selling at $1000 per square foot and up and high density 300+ unit underwriting with incredible economies of scale. columbus has lower construction costs but lower exit. we focus on urban core. my best suggestion is look at urban not suburban for higher valuations. you can't control what new construction appraises at so do it in less risky areas. 

LOL Jokes aside, it sounds like it's incredibly difficult to find something with good cash flow in Columbus, so my thought right now is to start in Cleveland for cashflow, then once I build a stronger porfolio I'll start adding Columbus

Also, any advice on finding and working with contractors would be incredibly helpful.

These are incredible insights and a lot of the things I have heard from everyone I have met in this industry. 

I am just a person on an internet message board, but have known enough attorneys and seen second and third hand enough lawsuits to know you are getting dragged in no matter what.Just a few things to think about before you start spending money to transfer, just to learn that it will cost you a lot more to have things like commercial insurance, commercial mortgage, business utility account (not more expensive, but typically require a large deposit to remain on account), etc.

Some examples of these techniques include sending out targeted mailers or running internet advertisements.

Well it DOES make sense in two other important ways:1) it's an incredibly strong incentive to pay your taxes....2) covers the risk that you don't get paid.

I have always been incredibly intrigued by real estate.

It will be self managed, I will be near the unit (less than 5 mins away) to clean and take care of any issues.My numbers:Approx Value of Home $240-280kCurrent monthly cost / $860 mo (mortg,ins,tax)Utilities / $250. mo (elec,gas,water,trash,internet)Cost to run as AirbnbApprox monthly cost with STR insurance ($250/mo?)

🏡🌴.This achievement wouldn't have been possible without the incredible support and partnership of Capital Construction and BackFlip.