We’re seeing significant softening on new placement rents, I’m interested to know if others are seeing similar trends in their own portfolios and what they're planning to do next year. 

The "online leads" trend becomes a vast pool of scams, each one discovering a new and "better" way to find motivated sellers via SEO/Paid adds/Social Media etc, and automatically aims to make a profit from selling those so-called leads.

Here is my simple Top 5:1.Review the market – Understand the trends and conditions in the area.2.Analyze the property and the numbers – Ensure the deal makes financial sense.3.Visit the property – There’s no substitute for seeing it firsthand.4.Meet the team – Whether it’s your property manager, builder, or contractor, relationships matter.5.Complete inspections and appraisals – These protect you from costly surprises.If all these boxes are checked and the numbers work for your goals, then it’s likely a solid deal.

Property values have been appreciating rapidly in recent years, and the city’s population has started growing again—a trend we haven’t seen in decades.I’m also based in California and have been investing in Detroit for several years, so I understand the concerns of out-of-state investing.

Quote from @Alan Asriants: There has been a growing trend recently of individuals looking to house hack single-family homes.

Are you seeing any other trends in the Commercial sector. 

As for Columbus, it’s a growing market with potential for strong rental demand, but make sure to research specific neighborhoods, local market trends, and the level of competition to ensure you’re making a smart investment.

One of the trends you see clearly is that smaller landlords do not want to rock the boat increases, especially with good tenants. 

This may be because (1) until recently interest rates were trending lower so if the lender is getting a higher rate on subject note than he can obtain on new note there’s no monetary incentive to call the note (2) in the past technology did not exist to identify the property transfers (ten years ago county recording docs were not online) and (3) the lenders rather collect payments than own property.  

Unfortunately, based on the Trailing twelve month trends, it is unlikely rent will increase and appreciate asset value. i wouldn't be throwing more money into this deal.