We don't have the means to buy, we've been working on our debt to improve our scores but not enough to qualify to buy without a co-signer.

You/they would need to talk to lenders about terms and figure out the monthly payment.They would need to understand what rent they realistically could get on the property, and then beyond their mortgage, insurance and taxes, plan for some maintenance from time to time, improvements, and holding costs when it is vacant.  

You can also get a lot of information from YouTube, but be careful to cross-check their information.

If you don't think the place will improve for you, then sell.

I do have all my eggs in this basket because I do believe that we are growing and improving ahead of many comparable midwestern states. 

So in the short term RE investors are left on the sidelines… but BRRRR isn’t dead… it’s just on the sidelines too waiting for conditions to improve to the point where there is cash flow available after the refi.  

On the plus side, if the property cash flows with a DSCR loan, when it comes time to refinance time with a lower rate it will improve on cash flow lol. 

These improvements enhanced the property's appeal and marketability, resulting in a significant price increase when we sold it for $135,000.

If you plan on purchasing the following year, show your tax returns to your lender before filling.Your statement brought up another great point- properly documenting improvements separate from repairs and maintenance. 

I'd suggest if you can't drive the neighborhoods, you go to youtube and type in "Driving the hood in Columbus" or something similar.