But as an out of state investor, I couldn't do AirBNB if it requires me to hand out key codes and to constantly gauge pricing and updating the web site etc. 

Surprisingly there's nothing easily found on the web.

I would bet you could make house-hacking numbers work in an the absolute worst neighborhood in your city, but chances are you're not willing to live there. 

@Kareena SharmaI can bet you that syndication doesn’t make 18% annually over 2 years.

@Ariel Gonzalez --I bet that if you scheduled a meetup, people would attend.

This is doable however my time to find, procure, and renovate rentals is very restricted due to my life on active duty.When looking strictly at the numbers a mortgage provides a better CoCR and a better ROE, but stepping back and looking at more plain facts it seems like leaving the house paid off is the best bet, thoughts? 

I really see Columbus Ohio as an extremely safe bet for the next 10-20 years.

Your best bet is hard money if you're looking for a lender without seasoning requirements.

Loan officer incompetence - sounds like they quoted you on 75% LTV but once the underwriters got a hold of it, they restructured.Without having the convo myself, Id be willing to bet its a combo of 2 and 3

I think learning as much as you can now going forward until you are able to get into a house hack or your first investment property if you don’t want to house hack is your best bet.