Sometimes you find deal where the first R (rehab) is minimal or none and you can accelerate your growth.

We look for rent growth because this will be the main factor in determining ARV.  

Not knowing your age and any family that you are responsible to effects my ability to give you thorough answers.I agree that real estate is a Team business. 

Before generating income through the rentals, I'd like the ability to deduct the expenses I'll incur in finding a property -- direct mail, mileage expense networking or visiting properties, etc.

I grew up in Columbus as well, so I know the area from a demographic and growth perspective.  

My initial choice was the Norfolk are because I'm familiar but there really isn't much growth in the area if your not right on the campus.Any advice?

I did some research and decided it has a strong job market and population growth.

With security tokens, the ability to devise the high-unit-cost of these assets automatically puts them within reach of most retail investors.

Guaranteed this will put a end to any tenants ever paying late.If this is not within your abilities you live with tenants paying late. 

There's a lot of great advice here on this thread.My partner and I made a list of many cities in the US and made an excel sheet to track metrics like population growth, job growth, affordability, Fortune 500 companies in the city, demographics, and other factors.