First, I do understand the risks of Single family package deals, and will inspect each property and pick the best ones. 

If you are already in Columbus I don't see any reason why you would need to go outside of central Ohio to pick up good rentals!  

I found them in my area by just picking up the phone.

I had planned on picking up some general liability insurance for the LLC. 

I didn't know how nice downtown Geneva was until a couple weeks ago while I was on my way to Batavia to pick up a packet for their triathlon.

Read books on investing in real estate, listen to the podcasts, attend webinars and stay active on the forums while connecting with other investors in your area and pick a niche.

If the deal is really good then investor will follow (this is what I have picked up in the Podcast).Jonathan

Just be cognizant that the 10-75 unit apartment space (pick your unit range) does not have a 3rd party management model that is dedicated to it in many markets.  

If the seller takes a mortgage from the buyer, the seller calculates the gain as if he/she receives all the money when the sale takes place, then the seller picks up a percentage of the total gain, each year equal to the cash received each year, divided by the total sales price.  

I am new this and I don't know how to go about picking the right market to begin my search.I just ordered some books to read before I actually invest--but anyone who has insight in how to research markets or invests nearby and has input on where I should be looking would  be greatly appreciated!