Columbus is the only Ohio market that has seen rapid growth in jobs and population.

Lawns will disappear rapidly.

Since I'm from West Michigan, I would like my first property to be near Grand Rapids or maybe Muskegon if the deal is good enough. 

Another benefit I see with this option is that I live in Charlotte, NC which is a rapidly growing city with good room to expand outwards still. 

You could almost throw a dart blindfolded at a map and no matter what you bought, it would perform due to rent rates and appreciation rates rising so rapidly.

I know people that have seen cash flow evaporate when government (taxes) and service (insurance) costs increase rapidly while the tenant pool deteriorates (falling rents).

But I don't actually have a house needing it right now, I'm just trying to get an idea for reference since many prospective investments may need it.Any local Cedar Rapids, IA folks have experience with updating electrical?

Does that have to do with Grand Rapids being a pretty great market?

The main draw for me other than being close to it, is that it's near Rochester, MN on the good side of town in the direction of Rochester's rapid expansion.  

I know historically sfrs have been superior investments and in some locations this mindset is changing rapidly.