You are right in that government jobs cost probably triple of what the same thing in the private sector would be.

While my story isn't as first-person as yours, I've seen the importance of this sector of homes to people I work with in my "job", and they are good people.

Has anyone had any luck with getting full term (i.e. 15-30 year, locked in rates) from the private sector?

One sector I like right now is distribution center and warehouse space occupied by companies like FedEx.

Many times we have very compelling guests from various sectors in this industry for your listening pleasure.

Gainfully employed in the IT sector for 20 years.  

As someone who transitioned from the financial sector to the real estate world, you have a huge advantage.

Like Kelly & Jon mentioned in their response, your other option could be in the commercial sector, i.e. small retail center, office building, multifamily, self-storage.

I read HotelNewsNow & Hotel Management magazine to stay up to date on the hotel sector (among others).  

I would be happy to PM with you and describe the parts of town you might be looking at from afar.As a broader answer to the question of Cleveland vs Columbus, I think Columbus has some unique institutions that tend to keep the population employed and and area desirable, such as the state capital, OSU, a handful of huge apparel companies, Nationwide (50k employees roughly), and a thriving service sector.