What is the societal value of driving down rents over time?

Assuming that they aren't simply lucky in market timing, excessive in leverage, or excessively risky, why do you think that some companies and leaders ARE able to duplicate the ROI driving expertise and/or improve personal-business productivity in a way that allows scalability?

I carried double the cost on Gas and Electricity to be safe. ==== Projected Income ====**Off Season**-$4,000/Month Rent Period: September - May (7 Months) Projected Income: $28,000**Summer 1**-$8,000/Week Rent Period: June (4 Weeks)Projected Income: $32,000**Summer 2**-$8,500/WeekRent Period: July-September (12 Weeks) Projected Income: $102,000**Optional** (Basement Apartment)-$2,000/Month -Rent Period: Year Round Projected Income: $24,000TOTAL PROJECTED INCOME: $186,000 ==== Operating Cost ====-Mortgage: $84,000 ($7,000/Month) -Utilities: $36,200Gas $6,000 ($500/Month) Electricity $6,000 ($500/Month) Internet $2,400 ($200/Month) Garbage $5,000 (Estimate) Pool $4,000 ($250/Week)Landscaping: $4,000 -Mowing: $2,400 ($150/Week)  -Clean Ups: $1,600 (Spring & Fall)-Weekly Turnovers: $8,800 ($550/Week)==== Legal Cost ====Summer Rental Fee: $20,100 (15% of $134K)Sandwich Rental Tax: $6,855 (15% of $45,700) NET PROFFIT: $38,845.00

He said even driving to pick up the rent check doesn't count (the driving part doesn't count), but picking up the check does (how long does that take?

Columbus is a strong option where you can find properties with favorable rent-to-price ratios for cash flow, while also benefiting from business expansion and population growth that drive long-term appreciation. 

In the meantime I would put the money in a low risk account gaining 4-5% which for $250k would be around $1k/month.Hey Chris - what is driving the sentiment not to buy anything right now?

A supply and demand imbalance drives rents and prices higher.

Picture this, your driving down the road and come to a 4-way stop, what do you do?

I would be self managing the property because I know the area well, have local connections to help out if in a pickle, and could get there in a day drive if need be. 

Amenities also drive demand to a rental and its much easier to have something like a pool if you are in a complex.