I'm an investor here in Columbus OH myself and have seen the city's solid and steady growth with strong economic fundamentals driving the market like major companies moving here (Meta, Intel, Google, Amazon, etc), job growth, and population growth.

You may also want to check the Columbus OH market - great macroeconomics with lots of job and population growth along with major companies developing here that drive strong rental demand. 

For example, here in Columbus we've got Intel building their mega-fab which is already driving up property values and rents in certain submarkets.

Because someone looking to live in the property will pay more because it's usually an emotionally drive decision.

Then I get out and walk/drive around.  

STR management is 20-25% (I would recommend self managing or getting a VA), since income is higher you could probably get away with 5% for maintenance / cap ex but remember you need to cover utilities and cleaning for these units which drives up costs.

Stay away from Philly as their laws are as tricky as NYC's.I would strongly recommend you purchase something within an hours drive from you so you can learn on the job as a landlord. 

. ;-) I've bought a couple of probates but I found them driving for dollars (unkempt properties) and then tracked down the status. 

For the latest rental market reports see this link:  https://drive.google.com/drive/u/1/folders/1NKewu6hPV_LrVR3G...'

@Annie AnsonWorking with a Property Manager:  If you hire a property manager for on-the-ground tasks like maintenance, you can still meet material participation—if you handle the majority of the work that drives the property’s success (e.g., guest services, pricing strategy, advertising).