Now go drive to buy one, of course it's end of the day.  

Tons of jobs and growth which allow for better tenant selection, low crime/safe, etc.

I really see Columbus Ohio as an extremely safe bet for the next 10-20 years.

I picked an area that was driving distance from where I live (within fours hours or less), but you could pick something further. 

You will be within close proximity to the University and approximately 5 minutes driving distance from the main city area, which also includes the hospital (could be good maybe for a medium term rental if close enough for travel nurses). 

I am glad you landed in a safe location at least temporarily. 

I think Chris makes a good point of determining the strategy - performing 1st position notes is always a safe "dipping toes in the water" type of note to go with. 

Here's a link to various resources for vetting some of your partners: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/13Z0B7mV--YRtVN3TJhez...

To put it simply, we want our note buyers to make money - if they do, they'll invest with us again and if we have to refund them because a note doesn't perform, they're likely to buy again knowing that their principle investment is safe.

For distressed properties, focus on markets with growing job sectors, good schools, and lower crime rates, as these factors drive rental demand and long-term growth.