And you would have to find a property manager which can be tough on smaller properties.As a passive investor in syndications on the other hand, you just need to focus on meeting some of the syndicators.

That's more time than you think if you're focused and using good professionals to help you find your next property. 

Columbus is an incredible market (real estate and quality of life)...everyone loves where they live, but it's really exciting to see the growth and expansion of the city here...I wouldn't hesitate to say (besides the weather in the winter ;) Columbus is one of the top 5 cities in the country...my prediction was the population would double 2-yrs ago and everyone laughed...but the city is on track to make it happen.Is there a particular area of the city you'll be focused on?

Please click on the links, give them a read, and share your thoughts in the comments.First is a post that I feel will help not get overwhelmed with the amount of info that is here on BP:https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/5868/52761-the-simple-guide-to-getting-started-on-bp The second is a post that will help get you focused with your real estate investing goals:https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/5868/52743-im-new-to-bp-any-advice-would-be-appriciatedThe last one is a post that will help you choose an “investor friendly” real estate agent.

Especially since I plan on using rental properties as my retirement strategy should I focus more o acquiring more rentals or just build a big retirement nest egg?

We are mainly focused on cash-flowing properties, with potential market appreciations being just a bonus to us. 

I commend you for staying focused and persistent in the light of adversity as evidenced by your intro.What I would do to start is to select a niche in real estate investing. 

I'm new to Bigger Pockets, I'm a real estate broker in San Diego, focused on residential property management and sales.

They are mostly focused on wholesaling and flipping if you are interested in that.  

If you have been there 6 months I would focus on trying to improve your future appraisal for refi.