.✅ Rental Demand – Single-family homes tend to attract long-term tenants, while multi-family properties can provide multiple income streams but require different management approaches.If you're still getting familiar with the area or have any specific questions, I’d be happy to chat and share more insights.

As a first timer, I'd avoid anything built before the 1960s that could have cement sewer lines, knob and tube wiring, etc.

Jessica,I'd be happy to help you if you are ok working with a Texas agent. 

I wouldn't touch anything outside the urban core. if your strategy is to buy existing and old I'd recommend not to. as a newer investor depending on your liquidity look at build to rent development. building investment properties below market value by 25% and refinancing out of it to do it again. the urban core has tax abatements as well that are 15 years right now you can apply for. that means that taxes will be around $600 to $800 per year. there's cash Flow but the existing inventory market dried up a few years ago in the urban core. local realtors are going to push you to the trash areas like hilltop, south linden, etc because it's the only place numbers work. columbus is great, but remember a tenant who pays $1800 a month is different than a tenant who pays $900 a month. let me know if I can help any other way! 

We have a great GC whom we're meeting with soon, so really appreciate that perspective, as I'd been considering doing it myself.

Although im not sure those every realy existed in the first place.  

Since I’m holding these properties for the long term (30-year loans), I’ll have fully paid-off assets around the same time I’d traditionally start withdrawing from my 401(k).

I'd say it depends on the local market, but it's very common to have at least a stove and refrigerator in a rental unit.

I'd be happy to connect and answer any questions you might have. 

The easiest way to find and connect with wholesalers is either bigger pockets or by googling "sell my house fast in (town name)" although that may cost them a click for google ads.