Columbus OH for example is a popular choice, with the city experiencing impressive property appreciation surpassing the national average.

Sounds like a good choice then to do the HELOC, especially if you are going to make it a rental in the future and a HELOC will be harder to come by once it's an investment property.

Now full disclosure, I am only a few months into my relationship with these providers so it could all blow up in my face, but ultimately I wanted to take action and for me this was the safest way to do that and I also figured the learning along the way might be worth giving up some larger returns. 

These benefits multiply the larger number of leases you can sign.

Unfortunately, some choices are business decisions and you have to get over the emotions of the moment. 

We are stable long-term tenants and would prove to be a good investment choice.

I was under the impression that this clause says  that the appliances are there but they are not included in lease so Im not responsable for them and that it is their choice to use them or not.

Generally speaking, however, LTRs command more stable cash flows over time than MTRs or extended stay arrangements, and may be the better (and lower-maintenance) choice for someone just starting out.

Larger projects (e.g. 50MW+) generally interconnect with the transmission operator facilities, so you'll need transmission lines close by.

I think you're right with so many larger companies investing in our area, the market will continue to grow.