I'm sure there are great, stable areas in Columbus but I'm not convinced the appreciation has been as strong as most would lead you to believe.I don't know much about Cincinnati, but one glance at the median list price over the past 5 years (attached below) would be enough for me to write it off as not appreciating.I'm personally partial to Detroit and that's where I invest and do a lot of business with other folks as well.

I know a broker who spends like 20k - 30k per year in buying leads, paying for blast emails, buying lists of names of investors, etc.I like to meet people on the personal level first, I feel like people are way more responsive if at first I help them by answering questions, or offering advice, provide them with incite, etc.Most people do not know what they are getting into in those first deals, which is why we hear so many nightmare stories. 

Make a plan that eventually leads to owning property that throws off cash after you purchase it.

While land loans still require good financials, smaller local lenders are often more willing to work with unique situations.You could also look into partnering with a private lender or forming a joint venture with someone who shares your vision.

I'm afraid if you don't get a handle on it or let them go with a referral it could be detrimental to your business and could quite possibly lead to negative google reviews. 

Not aware of a lender that will allow a rookie to do this.Recommend either starting smaller and working your way up to this or partnering with someone you can learn from that can be your lead with lenders, etc.

As a powerful organization, I would like to see Bigger Pockets become a leader in not simply educating real estate investors but leading the way in warning investors about the real estate guru pitfalls.  

AI is already impacting lead management in a huge way.

I'm not understanding the purpose of wanting to refi.As for the phone calls, look up trigger leads and how to opt out.

You can learn to do this independently or get a rockstar REALTOR to lead the way.