Not sure what metrics you have used in penciling down this market but make sure you look at population growth trends, income levels, poverty levels, Job diversity, schools etc.

A note on the art of D2D—the best representatives don't do it for the money, it is a game to them, a hobby almost.

The idea is that real estate isn’t a zero sum game.

With your first investments, you usually aren't going to be getting the best deal but you are just trying to get in the game to a certain degree. 

I was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio and I want to get into the real estate game here. 

Do you have a primary residence that will get your foot into the door of real estate and help you learn the game of investing and all that is encompasses?

I know it’s a numbers game and would get a property if I did it more.

Self doubt is part of the game. 

Still somewhat new to the investment game.

You can usually google search people or check court records.Or you can hire a PI too.That said I would be careful with working with under 2M net worth CONtractors and why I like syndications where the people you are working with have skin in the game.