People are stretched to the limit.

A neighbor cut down a dead tree on his designated 'wet land' stretch & got a $1500 fine.

Tampa is way larger, higher price point, more redevelopment, higher entry cost. calling columbus cheap is a stretch. here is our housing stats if you have some to compare to: https://www.columbusrealtors.com/housing-reports/

These cities offer favorable conditions where your financial resources can stretch further, allowing you to build a diverse multifamily portfolio and establish a steady income stream.

Not a far stretch, it is CA, that seems a very CA response does it not? 

I would aim for a multi-family(I'm from the midwest so money stretches a little farther lol) if possible because when you go MFH it cuts out all the actual homeowners so it isn't as competitive in my opinion. 

I would stretch yourself out a little, not too much, and look into multiple cities.

@Kimberly Kelly- welcome ...get pre approved for the high end of the range you are considering..this way if you end up needing to stretch ..you will have this covered ...good luck

And your posts changed from “long overnight stretches” to “hours at a time” which is it?

Especially if you are going to be as passive as possible, then investing in another market may not be that far of a stretch.