Hey Aaron, Columbus, Ohio is a great market to consider if you're leaning towards appreciation.

I am leaning towards demolishing the house and building a simple 3/2 but I have no market data in the city for new builds in recent years.

So I would definitely lean toward BRRRR between the two options although BRRRR is difficult in this market.For the large majority of those starting out, I recommend house hacking although I don't know if that would work for you in your situation.

While we lean heavily on the pro's  for repairs and estimates it makes it much easier when we know the typical issues and concerns on the plumbing, roof, electrical etc sides of a property. 

I would lean towards cash.

Hey Cameron, Columbus, Ohio is a great market to consider if you're leaning towards appreciation.

I lean a bit more towards Scotch than bourbon but enjoy them both.

So I like to lean into a combination of house hacking and value add.

As long as everyone is willing participants and they are not being coerced in any way and are willing participants I honestly don't see anything wrong with it, her body, her choice applies here. 

This is the approach that I was leaning towards.