Just ask a lender if you can do the project as tenants in common with 3/4 and 1/4 ownership with you being a non-occupant co-borrower as @Joseph Chiofalo suggests. 

Hey Valerie, Columbus offers opportunities for appreciation due to its growing job market.

To save cost and headache I suggest to keep your property and his property out.

Simple life, no assets, no marriage, no committments, job hops, more time off between jobs, maybe no car, 100% ETFs if they have any savings.

I'd like to start building a portfolio in more of a nascent market that has more room to grow in coming years.Perhaps Santa Fe still has some room to grow, as you suggest?

I would not venture beyond your skill set and suggest you risk harming yourself, such as getting electrocuted, however, once you have completed your work, have it inspected with the local building inspector.

Would prefer to invest instead of own the home I live in.I've have had it suggested that to get started, I should buy a property that is under 100k in cash. 

However, after further research it seemed like many people were recommending Columbus over Cleveland due to the higher appreciation/job+population growth, so that's why I am doing research on both.

Does that seem like a good approach or do you have other suggestions?

I'm looking for suggestions on contractors to work with especially the landscaper,  pool rehab and cleaners for maintenance  Thank you for your help.