If you're looking for appreciation, Columbus is one of the better options in Ohio. 

The HOA can decide to do a special project or make a short 3 story elevator more hurricane proof ($800000) or have issues after a hurricane and then you are definitely not ahead of the game.Please connect with me and I can maybe point you in a better direction.

I am not sure where exactly this property is, but this is an example of why I prefer B class neighborhoods or better when looking for rental properties. 

This is my first investment of this sort and it has not worked out how I originally intended but I am learning from my mistakes and will be making better decisions in the near future What made you interested in investing in this type of deal?

Or do you do better with an external accountability buddy? 

Quote from @Alecia Loveless: Something is better than nothing, but I would offer more like $250 or 1/4 of a month's rent.

The rate is maybe a little better than what you’ll get in a conventional 30 yr. right now, but the terms are worse.

There may be some lenders that might be a little more "borrower friendly", but I haven't found them (nor do I have the time to look for them).You might be able get better terms if you "house hack" by getting an FHA loan, but I don't generally work with those loans.

Is it better than your alternative uses for your money?

We not only offered them a better comp package, but we offered them the opportunity to work for people who knew real estate investing as investors, not just as lenders.