Just read a story here in the forums in the last few days of a part time agent who lost $25,000 to a wiring scam because he had no idea what he was doing as an agent. 

Good to know what I am getting into before I invest.I'll take a contrary view to your last sentence.

Please click on the links, give them a read, and share your thoughts in the comments.First is a post that I feel will help not get overwhelmed with the amount of info that is here on BP:https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/5868/52761-the-simple-guide-to-getting-started-on-bpThe second is a post that will help get you focused with your real estate investing goals:https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/5868/52743-im-new-to-bp-any-advice-would-be-appriciatedThe last one is a post that will help you choose an “investor friendly” real estate agent.

I found a triplex that was distressed and the owner bought it at a foreclosure for $116,000 last February.

My last attempt was no exception, seller wanted 5 day inspection on what was billed as primo condition 20 year old property, he blessed me with a 6.5% cap rate and "misstated"Expenses, followed me around during inspections telling me over and over how the neighbor next door is ready to purchase if i dont, never mind the failing brick siding, lack of house wrap, broken, non working windows, rotten decks,etc,etc.BUY IT NOW ask questions later cause there are 10 people behind you who will be happy with making zero for 3 years!

Last year there was only 219 that sold in the entire metro area out of 100,000 sales or so. 

As for Cummins future in Columbus, Cummins made a commitment to Columbus a few years back that they would be keeping their headquarters here - investing around $50 million into the city (http://indy.st/2uxRaOw)If you have any other specific questions about Columbus or my experiences over the last three years, let me know and I’d be more than willing to help out!

@Brendan MoehnHmm, I'm use to anaylizing new areas, but that would be a new one.Ok, after the last sentence I went to Airbnb just to do a quick recon.

Last week there were two probate properties that sold off market for a deep discount that we missed by a matter of a week or so! 

@Nathan G. thanks. last night we deep cleaned the apt and management stated they would be coming to day for a initial inspection and first spray, if they find anything bad they'll be back.