Cincinnati has more history and an established feel, while Columbus is growing fast and has a lot of energy.

I'm the single breadwinner for my family (2 kids) so I don't know if I'd have the time and energy to both run this rental and manage my work so I can reach the income level to handle the bigger mortgage comfortably.I feel like this chance for us to have a rental property with positive cash flow won't come often so I really want to explore it.

And then the tenants pay the more variable amounts so it takes me out of the equation if they decide to use more energy during certain times.

The key is aligning your investments with the amount of time and energy you’re willing to commit.Speed vs.

Sellers can feel your energy—let them see your passion for finding the best solution for their situation.Have Empathy: Selling a home can be emotional.

Here’s why Oklahoma might be a great market for you:Affordability: Properties in OKC and Tulsa are often under $200K and offer strong rent-to-price ratios.Landlord-Friendly: Simple tenant laws make managing rentals easier.Growing Economy: Job growth in energy, tech, and aerospace fuels rental demand.How to Evaluate Deals:Run the Numbers: Ensure positive cash flow, check cap rates (6–10%), and use tools like the BiggerPockets calculators.Find Deals: Network with local wholesalers or agents, and look for value-add opportunities in stable neighborhoods like Edmond (OKC) or Broken Arrow (Tulsa).Let me know if you’d like tips on analyzing properties or finding deals!

If you’re below $275K, focus on high-impact upgrades like improving curb appeal (landscaping, fresh paint), refreshing the kitchen and bathrooms (new hardware, lighting), or adding energy-efficient features (smart thermostats, LED lighting).

Followed Energy credit.  

For your part, it might seem like a free roll of the dice to go to court, but there are surprises and landmines along the way, litigation always takes far longer than anybody expects, and the time and emotional expense of fooling with litigation are energy drains on more productive endeavors.

Long Beach is pretty pro-housing, but I will get this going asap, depending on my full understanding of the 2019 energy requirements.