This also provides central air in the Summer, which is a competitive advantage in a market like NJ. 

It's the 90/10 rule though (10% of agents get 90% of listings) so you really need to do it full time lots of competition.

How's the competition? 

Given the fact that you're going to be in a competitive market and there's already a lot of offers on the table.

One could argue this is irrelevant to REI and speaks specifically to home buyers, but Columbus' lack of inventory and competition for housing says otherwise.

You can pay cash for your purchase to give you the competitive edge in purchasing and then roll your buys into either a portfolio loan or regular mortgage. 

If the buildings are in high demand the seller will likely ask for a nonrefundable earnest money deposit in competitive markets.Land is different.

I regularly work with my client's CPA to ensure we are setting everything up properly from a global standpoint. 

I am in a very competitive market and a review that says the place is full of mold, unsafe, etc. will have people going elsewhere as opposed to my place which is priced higher than most others in the area (due to amenities).

There is not a lot of competition from other investors.