The current portfolio doesn't require much management, but I feel there is opportunity to grow the portfolio moving forwards. 

Columbus also has great macroeconomics - lots of job growth, population growth, and major employers developing here.

My question is, what is best way to scale and continue buying properties without depleting all of my money?  

Here’s why Oklahoma might be a great market for you:Affordability: Properties in OKC and Tulsa are often under $200K and offer strong rent-to-price ratios.Landlord-Friendly: Simple tenant laws make managing rentals easier.Growing Economy: Job growth in energy, tech, and aerospace fuels rental demand.How to Evaluate Deals:Run the Numbers: Ensure positive cash flow, check cap rates (6–10%), and use tools like the BiggerPockets calculators.Find Deals: Network with local wholesalers or agents, and look for value-add opportunities in stable neighborhoods like Edmond (OKC) or Broken Arrow (Tulsa).Let me know if you’d like tips on analyzing properties or finding deals!

@Kegan SchollFrom my experience, if you're a 22-year-old house hacker, Texas and similar markets can be great for room rentals thanks to population growth, strong demand, and tourism.

None of these things will bring success tomorrow, but with doing them consistently every day, I will wake up in 5,10,20,30,40,60 years and be miles ahead of everyone else.2) Never stop learningThere is only growth or decay, there is no middle ground.

My recommendation would be different if you were a high-income earner or if you wanted steady equity growth.

These places can still appreciate and you can check each city's popuplation growth or decline on https://worldpopulationreview.com/.  

As we continued to scale, we eventually added a positions to start taking some of my wife's responsibilities. 

Mississippi is pretty small not a lot but start with DR Horton, Lennar, etc. most companies are after large growth cities though. not sure about Jackson