I believe both Columbus and CCA tax off of income so the income wouldn't be includable on the return where it's not present (100% apportionment to CCA).It's very important to note that not all jurisdictions in Ohio tax at the local level and there's not a ton of rhyme or reason as to why outside of bigger localities being more likely to do it usually.

I need to win at the highest level.

When you’re new to a market, I highly advise starting small to get a feel for it while you build your trusted team.

Old technology in todays world is a point of failure.Internet speed is mostly determined by the level of service that you subscribe to. 

Credit score and experience level are the key factors to how much leverage we can provide you. the standard is 80% of purchase and 100% of rehab and those deals are the easiest and fastest to get funded.

I'd like to start passively as a lender but dont know what the activity level looks like.

I don't know, but I trust the CPAs I have spoken with to interpret the code, and apply it how the feel would stand up in an audit.

If you see somone with a high level of recent misdemeanor criminal activity their chances of getting a felony is high.  

Is it worth the money to level the concrete in the basement of a future rental?

The meaningful relationships are earned by being a trusted advisor  who provides accurate information even if it means your client will be less competitive on that particular opportunity compared to the buyer who arrives at their purchase number based on bad advice.