I'm hoping that by opening up my search to 200k, I can get something that would fit me- I'm 28 with a girlfriend and live in a very "hip" area of Columbus (think old school bars, trendy food, etc.).

I won some money, plus all the comps, free food, free rooms.

Is toilet paper included, food, drinks, etc.

The idea is that if the economy falls apart, people will always need food.

Transfer your loan to a servicer which caters more to small investors.  

I know in particular they have partnered with Seamless food delivery and maybe even airbnb.

That allows you to buy property #2 even faster, and makes it much easier for the fourplex to cashflow if you were to leave the state in several years.Just some food for thought... there's a lot of options, be sure to explore them all :-)

the 8-9% is the max I would consider. the mortgage brokers' minimum lending limits are too high for what I'm looking at and they do not cater to investors by allowing the portfolio loans. the portfolio lenders I'm in contact with exclude loans in the area I invest in.

I was gonna say if you really do get moldy food in the freezer compartment when it is on, i havent seen that, it seems you must have a fridge issue or the electric was off.

It is a personal expense, just like your food expense.2) Repairs made on the rented side are deductible against the rental income.Improvements:1) Improvements made on personal side are added to the basis of the property, but you cannot depreciate the personal side of the property.