I wish I had better choices near me, especially when our tenants are driving us crazy.  

I plan to do one next year (refinanced out of my prior FHA on 4plex) for another 4plex that better suits my needs and neighborhood choice now.

You made a great choice to jump in!

Although it's not my first choice, I have purchased a property while on a business trip abroad.  

The friendship or the money because at one point you may have to make a choice. 

The cash flow from that I hope to be sufficient to begin developing a few small units (4-8 units large).

KyleWelcome to BP Kyle,Great choice of markets and you have a head start as you come from the area.Columbus has lots going for it.

However, there is a LOT to absorb here and I've had to give up other things in my schedule to devote what I consider to be sufficient time for me to get the most I can out of this site.  

It may or may not be your best choice for a job.But the underlying thought is the answer to your question about cash - find a job (maybe you already have one), and spend less than you make and accumulate the rest until you have enough to start buying properties.

Is an attorney title opinion sufficient?