It also offers a tax deduction and is a homestead protected against most financial issues or non payment under a Chapter 13 law and a rental is basically a debt burden that if you cannot pay or something happens you get evicted.

As the local governments struggle to manage tax payer money responsibly, they should really offer incentives to private builders to build "income restricted" at a much lower price. $220-$300/ft for vertical build costs.  

I wonder if they ever wound up making an offer.

Columbus may offer lower purchase prices, but as you mentioned, oversaturation from investors could affect rental rates and appreciation in the long term.Considering your interest in Philadelphia's vibe and your desire for a potentially better investment environment, it seems like Philadelphia aligns well with your preferences and investment goals. 

I'd guess you'd do at least as well as that offer, if not better.

For a lot of fixer upper homes, my offer, using an renovation loan, often loses out to lower offer cash buyers. 

Quote from @Dan Mahoney: @Tommy Davis As always, I am not a lawyer and I can't offer you legal advice. 

The Greenville market is strong - high population and job growth - diverse economic base including manufacturing, logistics and transportation, medical and leisure & hospitality.

The guy with 3 posts may be offering legitimate advice having been in your shoes- The guy with 30 years experience may be hopelessly out of date, or even inexperienced with current issues.- The 23 year old who just bought the first house-hack may teach us something game-changing.The “real deal” looks very different in many contexts: THAT is the power of BiggerPockets.

I signed up for the basic membership In hopes that I could leverage much of the support and knowledge offered to expedite my investing.