Some of that is also executives from the tech sector in Austin.The only thing that will slow any of ours is people coming from areas where they can't sell, or have to take less for, their old place.

If you really want to get into the sector find a large firm that will hire you.

While my story isn't as first-person as yours, I've seen the importance of this sector of homes to people I work with in my "job", and they are good people.

Like Kelly & Jon mentioned in their response, your other option could be in the commercial sector, i.e. small retail center, office building, multifamily, self-storage.

As someone who transitioned from the financial sector to the real estate world, you have a huge advantage.

With social media reaching over 3 billion people worldwide...you are witnessing a new form of the "middle man" in the making.

Especially in the bulk sector.

I would be happy to PM with you and describe the parts of town you might be looking at from afar.As a broader answer to the question of Cleveland vs Columbus, I think Columbus has some unique institutions that tend to keep the population employed and and area desirable, such as the state capital, OSU, a handful of huge apparel companies, Nationwide (50k employees roughly), and a thriving service sector.  

Many times we have very compelling guests from various sectors in this industry for your listening pleasure.

You are right in that government jobs cost probably triple of what the same thing in the private sector would be.