It's a 3 bedroom house and we plan to use technology such as a smart lock, WIFI exterior cameras, and a smart thermostat.

Again, not familiar with your market but your numbers seem conservative, which is smart.

Cleaning up the lots to unlock their development potential was a smart move.

Real estate's "gross rent multiplier" is Wall Street's "sales to revenue",  "cap rate" is roughly "P/E ratio".When evaluating markets and investments I tend to start with GRM (or lazily the 1% rule), then attempt to return a cap rate based on assumptions about costs, then I work my way to multiple years of projections (assumptions about inflation, amortization, tax benefits, etc), and if I am partnering with one of my smart friends I have to pull up an IRR (internal rate of return).I also look at regional employment levels, median income to rent ratio in the zip code etc. 

It's the overarching reach to pull an entire thread that doesn't come from moderators that is my issue and that goes to the site's focus on new investors way more than experienced.Everything is built to attract revenue and that's smart business.

If they are smart, they will appreciate it.

Patience Pays, But so Does Smart PositioningIt’s s true that appreciation-focused strategies require patience, but in international markets with built-in tenant demand (e.g., near military bases or expat hubs), appreciation and cash flow aren’t mutually exclusive.

As for Columbus, it’s a growing market with potential for strong rental demand, but make sure to research specific neighborhoods, local market trends, and the level of competition to ensure you’re making a smart investment.

@Chris Seveney Hey Chris, Thanks for sharing your perspective, it’s a smart, long-term approach.

I provide a Smart TV or a Roku.