There is a solid argument of course for MF investing and scaling based on NOI.

Having watched many prior co-workers get paid, cash their check at the casino, and promptly deposit it all into a slot machine I can tell you with pretty good certainty that casinos don't have a positive effect on disposable income and good use of the existing income in the area surrounding :)Are there solid local employers OTHER than the casino in a 15-minute drive? 

I would say Dallas is a solid place to start right now.4) Once I've lived in the property for the obligatory year, is that typically long enough to refinance and use HELOC towards my next property? 

While I can't speak for the other markets, Columbus is a solid choice as an investor myself.

In this case I would like to see some evidence that steps have been taken about the 401k.

Here’s what I’ve learned so far: Investors want deals with solid profit potential—so they’re always looking at the numbers: a good ARV, reasonable rehab costs, and enough room to make a return.

One of my close friends in the busines had a similar setup.. her husband was also a contractor, and together they tackled a fixer-upper that ended up netting them a solid profit on their first deal.When you’re hunting for the right property, I’d lean on a realtor who really understands investor math... someone who’ll help you break down potential cash flow or resale value.

You can take out up to 75% LTV on your properties.Some banks are not set up to offer solid refinance or LOC options.

Smoky Mountains seems to be a solid choice but I wonder about oversaturation and competition in that area?  

The schools in the area are really solid as well.