@Stuart Udis your absolutely right, as far as the market my biggest issue is that I don’t know that area very well and neither does the agent that is helping me.

However, the biggest con is that you are sacrificing a bit of your privacy by living right by your tenants and it is usually a lot more stressful since everything is your responsibility - managing tenant issues, handyman repairs, taking care of the lawn, etc.I would strongly recommend house hacking especially in the Columbus Ohio market!

I see mostly out of state or out of country investors working with New Western in Birmingham because they don't have the knowledge of the city and surrounding areas.

You can also use online resources such as City Data to search demographics in the area. 

Refer to your state, city and county resources for any required items, or recommended inspections. 

Co-living I like a bit more because you have less money needed for furnishing a property and CO laws allow it in the major cities unlike STRs.

Also It seems that in my city this doesn't exist with a duplex, triple etc.. 

Since I cant account for what their money cost,I have found that is the biggest flaw.

I know a lot of Chicago investors are here too; but if you were in my spot would you recommend Chicago as prices are too high and I have never been to the city moving next year.

Verifying last 2 years of rental history and income extremely important to find the “best of the worst”.Make sure you understand the Class of properties you are looking at and the corresponding results to expect.The City of Detroit has 183 Neighborhoods we’ve analyzed.DM us if you’d like to discuss this logical approach in greater detail!