There are a few different options/ methods (avoid the dry well in this case).

However, I'm still open to choosing Columbus Ohio if it's a better investment than the Philadelphia area.My priorities are:- Landlord friendliness (I don't want to get stuck in a location where its hard to get uncooperative tenants out of a property)- Friendlier Short Term Rental laws (AirBNB, etc) - Ideally lower property taxes (Not a huge concern if there isn't a big difference between the two)- Better cash flow (If the different purchase price to cash flow is substantial, I'd want the better cash flowing area)Which between these two regions would you recommend?

It is not even about good sponsor vs bad sponsor ; because just about everything , everything is different with different asset class, different market risk. 

You have to pay to sign up with different notary websites to get in their directory (there are only 3 good ones) which cost about $150-$200/year.

We all have different pain thresholds and experience in creating value. 

Yes, my response would be different if he were not of Seattle.

Although this is probably less likely than the water leaking in through the window wells, it is possible, and you'll want to eliminate it as a cause of the flooding before deciding on how to fix the issue, because if it's groundwater, then the solution to the problem may be completely different than if it's water coming from other sources.As you consider these questions, keep in mind that water follows the path of least resistance--for example, water will flow through a gravel-filled trench much quicker than through solid earth/clay.

What are the rates going in general or at least difference between conventional and portfolio percentage wise and requirements for portfolio loans?

@Dominique Guinnane - Comparing a permanent rate buy down (standard rate buydown) vs a temporary buydown are two different scenarios. 

As a matter of fact I've consulted for free with people who are paying a different QI to do their exchange.