My corporation usually loses money most years, however I receive a great monthly rent as the owner of the building, the lease is triple net to boot, and not to forget the business meetings in vacation like settings, health care, life insurance, a vehicle and all costs of running the vehicle.

(more info: We don't have kids, have high job security, and don't have any healthcare costs...I don't know if a lender would even look at those things)

If you ever consider the Youngstown area, feel free to reach out to me for some advice on the area.Otherwise, out of the markets you mentioned I would go with Cleveland as it is still a rust belt city on the rebound especially in the healthcare industry and some others.

We only spend money on our house, insurance, food, transportation, and healthcare.

This C Corp will be used to write off your expenses and get fringe benefit like health care and qualified retirement plans.Last I don't believe a domestic trust will create asset protection anymore as many case law have showed that it did not work.

Should reduce self employment taxes and will eventually be beneficial for other reasons like healthcare (not an issue for me yet). 

Some potential benefits of investing in real estate in Columbus include:Strong economic growth: Columbus has a strong and diversified economy, with a number of major employers in fields such as healthcare, education, and technology.

Here are some of the options for investing your retirement accounts: * Real Estate - including apartments, single family homes, and duplexes * Commercial property, developed or undeveloped land * Mortgages/Deeds of Trust * Publicly traded stocks, bonds, mutual funds * Private Limited Partnerships * Private Stock Offerings, Private Placements * Private Limited Liability Companies * Secured and Unsecured Notes * Judgments/Structured Settlements * Tax Sale Certificates * Car Paper * Factoring * Accounts Receivable * Commercial Paper * Equipment LeasingYou can also set up Self Directed Coverdell Education Savings Accounts for child education expenses and Self Directed Health Savings Accounts for health care expenses.What if you had a child who was 5 years old and you opened a Coverdell account for them with $500.

Robust job market: The city of Columbus boasts a diversified economy and many major employers in fields such as education, healthcare, and technology, which contributes to a constant need for housing.

@Joey MitchellPersonally, I would think of it as a reliable Technology, Consumer Cyclical, or Healthcare stock.