Working in a busy property management company, I'm often asked for advice on camera and alarm systems, and in rougher neighborhoods sometimes it can be a toss-up on whether to keep a property boarded-up between showings. 

I've seen this in the news.This doesn't affect me because I'm small time compared to these big companies.I also don't purchase any pricing software.

I'm a Managing Partner at a company that facilitates Full-scale flipping, lending, development, and portfolio acquisition. 

What property management software or tools would you recommend for tracking rent payments, leases, and maintenance requests?

Connecting with an insurance company may be helpful in placing long term tenants in a fully furnished home.  

Foundation issues are not end all be all, there are some great foundation repair companies.

The SMARTEST thing I did...was follow a "who" not a brand or company or model or some "thing". 

They go through a management company, M.

With that being said, Columbus is one of the hottest markets in the US right now with some of the fastest population and job growth and companies moving and developing here.

Similarly, quality dividend-paying companies often retain some earnings to reinvest in their business, increasing the company's (and your) value over time.