Any updates on your progress?

I would however get into the habit of increasing rent every year, even if it is a small amount-it adds up and I'll bet your costs (insurance, taxes, etc) go up every year.

If you buy now you are betting your criteria will be similar when you retire.

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

I understand unexpected things come up as the work progresses, but how is this typically handled?

It is always a work in progress.

I also figure while I'm there furnishing of the homes would be the best bet.

Hospitable is likely your best bet.

Good stuff - you are pretty spot on - technically people max out under conventional loans at 10 - but oftentimes its with fewer properties as people run into hurdles before hitting 10, some of which you mention - wanting to diversify strategies, multifamilies, needing LLCs etc.I think you are on the right track for DSCR Loans - I always say that DSCR is really perfect for people in the 5-50 property range - typically conventional is the best fit with your first few, and then when ready to make the "jump" to scaling bigger and faster - DSCR is the best bet.

There are obviously a lot more factors that go into it - real estate is always going to be a mix of the tangible property/market itself with a mix with the investor/operator including experience, risk appetite, financial situation etc.I would say however if you are just getting started in real estate - LTRs are probably (in a vacuum) the better bet as STRs are certainly more sophisticated and challenging from an investor perspective