I bet you have a lot of repeat guests. :) 

Your best bet would be to look at a hard money lender who will underwrite the asset in question instead of your personal finance situation.

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

That is a lot of work if I am the only one you are sending it to, but I bet your email list would grow quickly if you provided that level of service.      

It's only a material problem if they aren't providing to the greater society, and the reality is it's hard to tell right now but I would bet you'd see the one's in real control appreciate their contributions more than they find it a detriment. 

Your best bet would be to get with an agent who knows what areas are already zoned properly.

Utalizing a HELOC (Line of Credit) may be your best bet for your next property.

If you were to conduct a market analysis of similar properties purcahsed with the intent to flip, I bet most were acquired with construction financing.  

Investments are not sure bets.

If you are considering a refinance anyways, the appreciation play may be your best bet for a home you want to live in.If you are looking for more of an investment property, I would focus on Medium-Term-Rentals or Rent by the Room in a SFH (single family home).