In Germany and other European countries, board games are very popular among adults - without being considered nerdy.  

Other popular recomendatikns include finding a partner or finding an investor who you can work for while saving up funds for your own deals.Wise investing, and welcome to the forum!

Your best bet would be to check the property tax or zoning maps.

My concern is they may not rent as quickly and are they less popular. 

If you're a new investor with limited funds, you're best bet is to find the lower price point counties in the DC area and focus there- Prince George's County, Waldorf, Anne Arundel, Montgomery (certain areas), Baltimore, etc (really most of Southern MD is pretty decent)Trying to go into the District itself as a new investor can certainly be done, but a) prices are going to be higher than surrounding areas so for the same amount of money to spend you're going to do less houses, and b) it's harder to comp properties- DC property values can often vary block by block, proximity to metro station matters, finishes matter, whether or not they've 'dug out' the basement to increase ceiling height matters, the exterior style of property- federal, victorian, etc matters.  

West Oakland is a great bet.

I would not bet on that to happen though not impossible.All those potential scenarios are correct, appraisals or length of loan, equity are all factors. 

LillieProbably your best bet if looking specifically for landlords in Columbus is http://ohiolandlordassociation.com or if general, search for landlords on BiggerPockets

A thread based on a question I asked that might be of help: Search "Best Bets for Portfolio Loans"...

I think the bet way to learn is going to be by watching the Contractor's carefully.I have made 2 appointments with 3 different Contractor's and I sincerely thought that I would be able to get the right to inspect, but I didn't and I am hoping that I DO NOT lose these Contractor's interest in my proposals to get estimates for Rehabs for me.My partner said that there is a New Posting on Biggerpockets that talks about "How to get a Yes from Seller's.