This could partially be due to key net drivers such as increases in mortgage interest rates and as you mentioned, minor positive population growth. 

It’s ok if you’re non owner occupant. https://www.columbus.gov/str/You’ll need a background check, tax letter of good standing, insurance, pay the permit fee + application fee, drivers license, and submit application to the email in that link above.

There’s a process to the madness that just goes over the investor’s head.

The seller will be the one that is mad when they find out you assigned if for a fat fee. 

Choose markets with tourism as a strong economic driver.

Is it mad to consider buying a $150-$200K house all cash now?

When applying for permits we had to show proof of the lease, copies of the tenants drivers license, tenant bills with address etc. as well as proof of parking spots with illustrations and google map images.

You're choosing between two bad situations: asking your investors to wait or giving them what they ask for (early K1s) but risking making them mad later with amended K1s.

Come to Columbus, there are still 1% deals, but the more attractive part is the population growth and other economic drivers! 

There were once I am so mad with one of brokerage I just blocked them from my cell.I need to find realtor that was born on the same city with my mom so she would follow my order *patiently*.It's no longer hidden information that most realtors are lousy, you maybe belong to the top 10%.