If you're looking for a landlord friendly state with lower taxes and a market with lots of potential for appreciation, Columbus could be a good fit.Best of luck as you start out! 

Roth IRA distributions will be tax free. 

Tax free money is always something to consider and even BETTER than a 1031 exchange which only defers taxes.

Nevada is landlord friendly and low property taxes. 

I was considering finding what is owed on the property and cashing out the seller with a severance package.

You really don’t want to sell in under a month or you’re facing regular income tax plus self-employment tax instead of capital gains tax or zero tax if you move in. 

Use case: home is worth $580k-630k, with $295k balance on loan, and $100k owed on HELOC ($395k total debt).

I have advised many others through the process - there's some tax consequences you should be aware of.

Meanwhile I have it in my hands today, even tho my valuation went down, my property tax bill is up exactly 10 percent.

HJTA is sponsoring an effort to fix California’s Prop 19 by restoring the ability to transfer property to children upon the parent's death WITHOUT reassessment and WITHOUT the often HUGE increase in property tax.