Connect with like-minded investors, check out potential opportunities, and start familiarizing yourself with the community.

Regardless of the market I would buy something more turnkey and get familiar with your PM, agent, and team then look at branching out and buying a BRRRR after the first one is stabilized. 

If they're not familiar then it's your chance to get your foot in the door by bringing 1031 education to them.It's been a few years since I checked but at one time NAR showed statistics that of all the transactions potentially qualifying for 1031 exchanges, only about 10% were actually handled that way. 

Is anyone familiar with a private lender, buying a short sale in foreclosure and leasing it back to home owner with the option to buy back with in 3 years?

I have spoken with an agent/PM in Detroit that somewhat scared me away from the Detroit market (eviction rate is currently 8% down from 20% 5 years ago and such a different environment that I'm familiar with).

I'm familiar with this strategy, and it hinges upon the assumption that your income exceeds your expenses.

@Kyle CarterWherever you decide to invest make sure the property manager is familiar with section 8 and manages section 8 rentals currently in that area.

And yeah... that struggle I am all too familiar with as well!

How familiar are you with the rental laws in each area?

Your construction background and being local to Columbus are huge advantages—they’ll definitely give you an edge in finding properties and keeping rehab costs down compared to others.I’d suggest exploring parts of the city you’re less familiar with.