If you're looking for a market with strong appreciation projections over the next ten years, I'd say a market like Columbus offers more potential due to the surge of companies expanding in the Columbus market.

It was, needless to say, a bit traumatic, and we don't want to go through that again.I'm trying to do my due diligence on this decision, but timing is also a concern and it has always been something I've had bad luck with. 

Say, a figure in a nightmare which the sleeper tries with all his strength to destroy.

I look forward to seeing what everyone else has to say as I could probably improve in this area as well!

I'm curious what you think about the 5 year look back period where a Parent may wind up in a costly care situation, say a Nursing Home, and the Asset, including your Primary Home, can be confiscated to pay for the bills.Does the Living Trust help shield the Asset?

And if your short-term goal is to replace your income in, say a year, I definitely wouldn't invest it in smaller rental properties like single-family homes or duplexes/triplexes.

I would say a rent increase of 3-5% per year is very common and reasonable in the area.

@Tyler Henfling When you say a cash reserve, do you mean you set aside a portion of the rent each month for repairs and capex?

I do not personally know Stuart, but I've found his posts to be well thought out and honest (even though I have disagreed with a couple of them :-)Here's my take on your post - you say  "As an experienced contractor of three years".....seriously?

I didnt' find anywhere in your post where you indicate the lending institution, but I will say, a lot of lenders (mostly banks or credit unions) will "overlay" standard guidelines. what that means is that they will impose more stringent guidelines above and beyond the standards.