Have you explored any potential house hack opportunities in NY, or is the price threshold too high to tackle, and thus, you are considering Columbus? 

Prices remain relatively low, but appreciation may be slower.Monroe: A mix of cash flow and appreciation potential, Monroe has become a popular choice for investors, especially in areas where new developments are popping up.Appreciation-Focused NeighborhoodsBallantyne: A well-established area with high demand, Ballantyne offers excellent long-term appreciation potential, though cash flow opportunities may be limited.South End: A booming urban hub with a vibrant retail and restaurant scene.

I am in Florida and that is exactly what I do..I help OOS investors find high profit investment properties. 

Also, which choice is better for you highly depends on what your real estate goals are and the experience level & skillset of the specific agent.Traditional agent and Redfin Agent could essentially be the same thing in many cases.

I agree that the full 25% deposits were high for new build rather than EMD.

Low vacancy rates, rising rents, and high tenant demand for more space/good school districts. 

BiggerPockets also has a calculator to analyze deals, and I highly recommend you start this as soon as possible, even if you are not ready to buy.

I highly doubt I will ever see my money again.

Many of these lenders allowing 2nds behind them are more expensive capital (10's - 13's in our current market [high rates - but now showing signs of coming down]).

This influx of high-paying jobs (averaging $60 per hour) is expected to draw a significant number of professionals to the area, boosting demand for housing and various services.