I plan to start making flights out to Columbus in early February for pre-construction and to meet the team and look forward to doing a little driving in different parts of the city in my spare time.

If they do a drive by appraisal or miss a deficiency the lender unfortunately lives in true ignorance.  

If you have time, source your leads your self; drive the area you invest in and look for distressed homes, door knock on the foreclosure list, use door hangers when you see a home you really want.

Driving, like for dollars or on the lookout for potential deals using an app like DealMachine so you know the equity on the rundown homes.This also all depends on your skills.

Again, advice from my CPA based on the 18k-21k I drive each year. 

All these things driving the market to uncertain paradigm and pushing the new homes prices higher and higher. 

Is there a certain distance in miles or driving time that would disqualify me from buying in a certain area for using an FHA loan?

I only have my internal drive to succeed no matter what. 

It can be a simple as a drive by or a full interior and exterior inspection depending on the company. 

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is recommended to invest in essential uses, delivery services, or drive-thru restaurants.