We have rentals in places that do not snow but are thinking of investing in Columbus, a place that gets snow every year. 

Then how many of those do you think actually deliver?

what do you think on buying foreclosed homes or single families for investments near the Scranton area.

Ideally, you could find something liquid (money market) or fixed for a duration until you need it (CD, etc) with a rate approximating inflation but rates (even with talk of some incremental raises coming) still won't yield much.I think you have a good point about return.

I do not think that is a bad quote (of course this is coming from the person getting $5k-$7k quotes to replace a tankless hot water heater...). 

Let her know that it is only for her to live in and if she has guests that stay for more than 2 days (or whatever you think is reasonable) in a 6 month period, she needs your permission....or she has to find another place to live. 

Clients don't like when they think they're getting charged $100/mo per unit then pay a dozen or more in junk fees every time they turn around. 

I know contract pays for travel nurses have decreased, but I still think you can make a decent profit if you the house is close enough to a hospital.

I'm thinking the most I should pay for this is somewhere around 730K 

Far too many get stuck in the "paralysis by analysis" stage, thinking they just don't know enough to get started.