And I recommend you do the same.

For point #4, do you have any recommendations on how to find a good sponsor?

I would recommend reaching out to a few local lenders in your area.

It also depends on how you hold your properties; LLC, S Corp etc... as to what the agent will recommend.

City Hall want to keep small town small, does nothing to promote town Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

I recommend people only sell if (a) you can invest the capital in something that performs better, or (b) it aligns with your goals.

I'd definitely recommend looking at Columbus Ohio!

Typically starting with a smaller rehab budget of $50K or less (maybe a max of $75K) and avoiding a 1 to 1(or higher) ratio of purchase to rehab costs is recommend when you are first starting out. 

Bigger Pockets community was recommended to me by a local investor that I've done handyman work for.

You input and recommendations are greatly appreciated.