@Brendan M Hornung I manage 25 units and growing without management software.

It sounds to me that your aqusition stratugie and price point is where I would start, the right lender is the key if your buying without cash contact me and I will share with you what I did after my first flip and how that grow.

I think DSCR Loans are definitely in your future as you continue to grow your portfolio but probably not the best fit here:-Can strictly not use DSCR for any property you live in - would technically be possible if you moved out, leased up the unit you are currently in and provided good documentation that its legit - but this is a firm non-starter for DSCR (absolutely no occupying the property)-DSCR Rates at best are in the sixes on a cash-out refinance - so you would be doubling your interest rate at least on the current property - which could make sense but its a pretty high hurdle.

We are (last time I checked) the second most affordable large metro in the nation, and yet the fastest growing city in the Midwest!

I believe that the best way for me to grow in this field is by connecting with both experienced real estate investors and fellow newcomers.

They are both good options, although I would say that Columbus is a bit overrun with investors, even though you can still grow there. 

Also, we plan to make the farmhouse and growing building/s nearly net zero, which will lower cost of utilities to zero.

While the real estate crowdfunding space is rapidly growing its still fragile.

And I got an idea that could help her get into a house but could also help me continue growing my investment portfolio.

We look for fastest growing areas.