I believe that connecting with experienced investors and fellow newcomers will be invaluable as I navigate this path.I am particularly interested in short term rentals, multi-family rentals, and possibly fix and flips. 

However, my mother has fully paid for the property, making her the rightful owner in practical terms.

At the average rent point of Columbus ($1837), I believe the 50% rule is aggressive and your expenses are likely to exceed 50%.https://www.neighborhoodscout.com/oh/columbus/real-estateThe long term appreciation (this century) is average (3.84%) for the US but good for Ohio. 

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Just remember, Real Estate is a long term investment and you are ultimately enjoying the appreciation and principle reduction. 

It has had higher appreciation than nearby towns since the pandemic and you should be cash flow neutral or slightly positive day one as a long-term rental with a 20% downpayment.Note that zillow and other websites greatly understate your property taxes. 

I am on pace to finish the course before the beginning of March and my short term goal is to join a brokerage firm before May.

@Keith Angell What are your long term goals?

I would echo most of the above in terms of screening process/flow. 

There are lenders who will do 15% down, but the terms will make the loan impractical in the vast majority of cases.