We were thinking of buying in Columbus, OH, Indianapolis, IN and Salt Lake city.

You may have heard Lake Michigan has risen six feet in the last ten years, then it dropped three feet recently, yet somehow this property appears unaffected: https://wcrz.com/the-worlds-largest-log-cabin-is-in-michigan...People love to point out rising levels but discount levels when they drop.

This started as a nice cabin getaway for the family and turned into a rental.2.5 - 3.5 hr drive depending on where you're coming from and what time you're traveling.You may also want to look into Tannersville, Warwick, Greenwood Lake. 

For lakefront I'd consider Port Orford, Lakeside, Florence and Devil's Lake in Lincoln City. 

There is a lot available further south in Lake Worth and Riviera Beach but not the best neighborhoods.

Its a really cool cabin right off of Lake Winnisquam (a large/popular lake in NH).

My husband and I want to buy our first house hack in an expensive area, Salt Lake.

Town of Woodridge, and the town of Swan Lake, I grew up in the town of Swan lake, and I have the ins/outs knowledge,

Happy to help if you're interested in traveling up 71 N about 2-4 hrs to the coast of Lake Erie, CLE has you covered with a vertically integrated built in team.  

I got one today at the store in queen size for $12.99, the king size is $14.99These are reminiscent of the Charisma/Berkshire comforter that I have been using for the last 7 years in the lake house as well as at home.I will say that these new ones are more of a thin blanket rather than a thicker comforter.