The other property is a cottage built in the mid 70s and requires significant electrical/plumbing work to bring up to code.

Please suggest top cities/zip codes to look for in 2025 based on your experience.

Get headcount by googling thetown or zip code.

So, it's still NOT a good idea to try to invest by zip codes - which are too big in our opinion/experience.

When changing out a window for a bigger one, be certain to know the city codes.

However, there are tax code changes every year.

build it instead of buying it. especially in the 5-50 range you are going to get garbage that's 80-120 years old in c neighborhoods. i can find land in almost any zip code and make the numbers work in columbus. or partner on a project locally. just my 2 cents but build to rent is much stronger right now in my opinion in columbus than buying existing assets 

Thank you for your input.Keep a cheat sheet for your property(ies) with color brand/codes for each room and common info needed such as appliance info, fridge opening HxW, etc...Paint should be standard sets of colors for all the properties you have.Flat means hard to clean, repaint it all.

I would NOT invest in the following TN zip codes: 38106, 38126 and 38114.

That's pretty low for a 3-BR - I'm seeing the FMR for a 3BR in that zip code is $1,850.But at $1,300 for rent, you'll probably find HMLs that may lend you around $120k if you have a good credit score in my opinion, which means you'll need $45k + closing costs.