But if you didn’t succeed in REI previously, what will change going forward?

On April 1 of this year, conventional loans (Fannie/Freddie backed) changed the seasoning requirements for cash-out refinances for BRRRR from 6 to 12 months so that threw a wrench in a lot of people with this method. 

Don't worry this is going to be life-changing for you, wishing you the best of luck!

The 2 to 3 bedroom upgrade is one of the highest impact changes you can make. 

Has anyone ever used Zillow to vet out tenants?

Hey Justin, totally can relate with you being from an expensive real estate market - I moved to Columbus a few years ago (from Portland, Oregon which was super expensive) to become a full time real estate investor, and ever since, I've completed quite a lot of BRRRRs, flips, and own a successful rental portfolio here in Columbus Ohio.

I have my biggest rehab per square foot and one of my biggest rehabs ever going on right now.  

Apparently who ever I spoke to that worked there tried to open up a second account under my name.

It is rare, but the concept exists. 

You can only have one in a city/location- you would need a very clear explanation of a job change to another location to do another owner occupied loan.