So we bought in a safe neighborhood, know our neighbors well, and have the basics when it comes to home security.

YOU drive every single property before you bid. 

After a while, you will know just from looking at the listing or a drive by if you are in the ball park. 

Show current rent rates versus other drive up competition.  

It depends on the safe harbor rule that the platform is using.  

Hi Natasha, these areas in Columbus—North Linden, South of Main, Vassor Village, Woodland Park, MT Vernon, Milo-Grogan, Franklinton, Merrion Village, Hungarian Village, Southern Orchards, Driving Park, Olde Towne East, Franklin Park, King Lincoln, Old Oaks, and Livingston Park—are prime spots for quick gentrification and great long-term buy and holds.

Do you feel safe living in another country and what about the laws there (e.g. being wrongly arrested and imprisoned vs. in the USA there's at least due process and our Constitutional rights)? 

The Major international border project is nearly complete called the "Gordie Howe International Bridge" This will increase the connectivity between Detroit and Windsor Ontario and create synergy which will change both riverfronts and the surrounding neighborhoods "As one of Canada’s most significant infrastructure projects, the Gordie Howe International Bridge is creating thousands of jobs and driving economic activity today and will serve as an important trade corridor for Canada and the U.S. once complete and for generations to come.

I have had several friends suggest that it would be wiser to start off with rentals within driving distance of where I live. 

Given how the market is right now, I thought "better safe than sorry" and I'll give him 3% on this deal.I'll probably get that 3% back on my next purchase anyway ;)