I have found some information that might be helpful John.There are government backed programs like Fannie Mae Homestyle Renovation Loan and Freddie Mac Home Possible Renovation Loan, in addition to the FHA 203k loan. 

Only government and insurance companies insist on not letting go of mail.It's good asset protection.

Ultimately you can only hold it down so far and the government will eventually get their money. 

Every $1 I make in cash flow, the government will take 35¢-40¢ today.

While likely more expensive than Cleveland or Toledo, Columbus has a more diverse and robust economy, driven by government, education (Ohio State University), and healthcare.

The local/ state etc (governing body) may not just "give you" one.

They are buying NNN single tenant or NNN multitenant retail properties in TX, OK, SC, NC, GA, FL, AL, TN - the states to which the population is migrating and that have business/real estate friendly governments and lower taxes. 

It seems like there was a lot of hype at the government level but owner/occupied demand hasn't been what they thought it would be.

In Minneapolis, are there programs in place from non profits and the government to aid first time home buyers with costs?

Something to watch if you are mindful of the government being over-involved in nearly every single LLC registration.