in addition on the west coast we just don't really have zombie or boarded up houses.. at least not like other areas of the country we have a shortage of actual housing units.

You have to explain it to the listing agent who doesn't get it, who then sends that to the seller, by telling them it's not that you have no money, but this is a right afforded to you based on your service to the country and you can also show proof of funds that you have money, but are choosing not to use it as a downpayment because you want to do reno with it.I would use your VA, that's what it's there for.

Hi, welcome Ohio is a great place to invest in real estate my clients would definitely agree.

@Alex Powers I would probably agree with this.

@Harley Kendall, I agree with most of what @Jonathan Greene aid with one exception.

@Greg Hammond I agree with what @Theresa Harris says.

Agree with what Jay outlined above.  1% is right around the going rate but things can fluctuate based on the specific deal, lender, capital available, etc... 

I'm hearing from landlords and managers around the country that they are dropping rents and still sitting empty.

prop tax's some of the lowest int the country.. my one prop is valued at 650k  and my tax's are 2k. 

I believe shared housing is going to become more popular, due to the lack of available housing throughout the country; and lenders, insurance, etc. will need to find ways to accommodate their use.