Below is RL Property Management's current monthly rents per square foot in various zip codes in and around Columbus, Ohio. 

@Thomas GroveBoth of those homes are C- to C+ homes in my opinion, I would lean more towards the home in 38109 zip code due to it is close and considered to the Whitehaven area.

Can anyone tell me areas/zip codes to look at and which ones to avoid? 

The reason being is: 1) You can put 3% down instead of 3.5%2) Less strict policies3) With conventional you can get an appraisal when you are a little over 20% of equity and get rid of PMI.

Hired a Real Estate Agent because it was my first home purchase and I had a very short and strict deadline.

So being able to free up more of that has a value beyond strictly financial. 

My experience (which is slim) is that older buildings that don't meet new code standards are often grandfathered in. 

@Koleton DaleyIf you would read the posts versus trying to slander me at every turn, you would notice that the comments you copied and pasted from an earlier statement of mine were from the 38127 zip code.

2) My realtor is concerned about my desire to go through the FHA for a loan... given that they have strict property condition requires in order for the loan to be secured by the government.

Check your state's property code and an attorney in your jurisdiction.