No specific reason, just seems like cities that are trending upward and a price point I can potentially cashflow and appreciate with.

You'd qualify for a hard money loan if you have a solid deal and a partner with experience. 

I have a rental property in Idaho and a decent home is upwards of $400k, but rent is maybe around $2,000.

Now I have seen a situation where there was a pre-2016 build, but the previous owner pulled permit to install a pool and a new Certificate of Occupancy was issued after 2016. 

Furnished common area, furnished each bedroom with a queen bed, a dresser, a desk and a chair, then we listed on every platform that I can list and I paid every platform for their premium listing.

I am not spending $40k on their next step, but this looked like a good investment ($1500 and a money back offer).

I’m currently looking at investing in Cleveland where you can get up to 30%+ COC returns, and a bit into Columbus OH where appreciation is big as well.

For example, I am a little concerned about some aspects of the business cycle recovery and a potential for a double-dip so I lean toward the safest part of capital stack which is debt (or low-debt equity).

IMHOThere are more international students staying, I've seen it where I work (at a university), but many of the newcomers are not students and a country our size can't handle that many people in a relatively short period of time. 

Also, while you can get up to 80% cash-out with a 720+ FICO and a 1.0+ DSCR I don't see why you're being capped at 70% LTV currently.