Driving around the neighborhood over time, I saw the same van at a few other houses.

If you haven't already, try going off market, driving around neighborhoods that would be of interest to you and finding ones that fall into your criteria (your agent should be able to help you as well).

Columbus is rapidly growing, with the population, job market, and growing tech scene driving strong rental demand.

You probably already know this but if not hopefully it'll drive the point home because its CRITICAL for you or someone later reading the thread. 

It wasn’t ideal, but it was the only way to keep the deal alive.I made the drive to her small town, met her at a local bank, and had the paperwork notarized.

You're wasting hours of your time driving and walking around stores looking for the right lights to fit in your project when you should be looking for more deals.2.

Now that I dont fly anymore  I dont think I will ever set foot in that area its just way to far to drive. and personally not a big fan of the Oregon coast  unless  its Tillamook bay to fish for Salmon and Steelhead in the rivers that feed the bay .. thats the only time we go to the coast.. my wife was born and raised on Puget Island in the Columbia river ( Cathlamet) so she wants a summer home there on the island you can get river frontage and nice sandy beach and watch the big ships roll by.. 

Next time it snows drive around looking for snow removal teams and reach out to them for pricing?

Happens just about every year in the Southeast with hurricanes- I usually spend the day after the storm driving around taking pics or coordinating inspections of properties so that my borrowers can close.  

You’ve got time, a clear goal, and the drive to make it happen.