We listed strategically and were under contract in 2 weeks in the slowest part of the year (December) whereas all the other similar homes in the neighborhood have been sitting for months and still sitting on the market. 

The garage and the fact that a long term tenant was in place paying market rent.

Educate yourself on the local market, network with other investors and agents, and always have a solid plan in place before making any investments.

We own SFHs in Columbia SC and like that market.

Happy to send over some resources on why Columbus is a great real estate market to invest in. 

Last year, I purchased a SFH under market at 7.65% interest rate and did some rehab to up the value.

If you haven't checked the market for homes with "inlaw suites" or whatever your market equivalent is that can be a way to get it done as well. 

To make the strategy successful, you need to find a property that can be acquired below market value.

I’m brainstorming ideas on how I can market myself to potential mentors in the STR game in order to gain experience.

However; the real estate market here hasn't stopped at all, and it's blazing.