Given your interest in wealth building through real estate, have you considered exploring out-of-state investments to potentially leverage market conditions and maximize returns?

The rate on something like this would be a bit higher than a conventional 30 year mortgage but you'd have the benefit of potentially paying it off faster.Investors using a conventional loan have to put a minimum of 25% down on a property.

Meanwhile, I think positive cash flow on rentals is definitely possible here (I am just a small time landlord, but have done well on 3 SFH) -- Soaring property taxes are a problem that has hurt our cash flow recently, but costs here are overall still low compared to many cities, while the rental market is extremely tight due to high demand/rents very high. 

Most of those areas you’ve mentioned still have amazing appreciation potential.

However, working with an incompetent agent will be more hurtful than helpful.

I have a family member that I could potentially do a JV with.

I'm studying to get my New York realtor license and having property management experience could potentially benefit my career.

However, if your sights are set on long-term appreciation, Columbus' ongoing population growth and strong economic factors point towards potential value increases down the line.

That's a lower risk way to get started.Hi Nicholas, my draw to STR is primarily the higher potential for cash flow.

Zero in on a potential client's pain points, that can really help to work through the shockers over price.