So I started my own software development company 7 years ago, this allowed me to work from home and stock away a decent savings, but I knew I didn't want that long term, and rentals was always the end goal.

I could turn it into say a nice 1-BR with garage or smaller 2-BR apt. 

@Jorge Ruiz I'm originally from Dayton, and the last development tour I went on there was very impressive.

I can’t say for sure but it could be that they could think you’re some sort of scam, with all the scam artists out there today.

Pigtown has some incentives associated with it from some local companies such as UMMC however I really see this area taking awhile to develop and some of the people I know who have purchased there regret it due to safety issues. 

If you are starting out and have W-2 income likely you would want to keep that for loan qualification but once your portfolio is established you can choose what other, if any, income you want to spend your time developing.

Appreciation is nice but cash is king. 

If the borrower pays off early, I would make a nice return, obviously, but I wonder, what motivation is there for the borrower to pay off a sub 2% loan early. 

Yes, I get it if you look at a 20yr chart real estate has a nice beautiful uptrend. 

It’s also nice to see that there should be a cap.