I still come across 1% deals in Columbus and Cleveland, with more cashflow and slightly cheaper deals in Cleveland, while significant economic drivers (OSU, Nationwide, Intel, Nationwide Children's Hospital, etc.) make Columbus a very attractive destination for appreciation. 

All the reasons you want to collect that deposit(offset risk for damage to the unit) is what will get you when you hold back funds wrong or a tenant gets mad that you held back too much.  

Columbus shows consistent appreciation, and has large drivers of demand, like Ohio State and all of its facilities, as well as Intel coming in, which will bring thousands of jobs to Columbus.

What are the drivers in Ohio?

You’ll should be a sophisticated investor if you are using appreciation as a value driver.

with those is always where to find other syndicators  But regardless, I like the upgrade idea because I can do it with sole control or maybe 1 partner at some point in the future but I wouldn't have to be a backseat driver to my investment. 

Some good metrics to look at:Median home priceMedian household incomeMedian rent price (specific to bedrooms/bathrooms or square footage)Population growthFor cashflow: price:rent ratioFor appreciation: look for significant economic drivers (large scale employers, tourist attractions, development/construction, employers moving in, etc.)

You probably can get your driver's license if you don't already have it.

I purchased a property in the City of Buffalo, NY a little over a year agoMy neighbor is now mad because she claims the tree is my backyard that is on the property line (it’s in my yard), is buckling her semi-new driveway and the roots are growing into her basement.

I am currently strict budget saving like a mad man, cash out would definitely speed things up but not totally needed