I am just about to start a total rehab on a 3Br 1Ba 925 sq foot  foreclosure I have in Columbus next week.

Starting off on the wrong foot by not getting a permit to begin with was also not helpful.

I am converting a single-family home into a 2-unit apartment, and they want a Market Study and Traffic Study and I have no idea how to get those.Thanks!!!

I plan on doing very basic finishes (either cheap bamboo floors that are on sale for .98/square foot or maybe even luxury vinyl at .75/square foot).

Located in a mall with good foot traffic.

I have bought mine by the pallet at as little as $.79 a square foot.

There is the same challenge if you were 3 or 4 hrs (Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Hampton Roads or any other multitude of locations) the investment of time and energy is extensive to get to a remote location, even geographically close like Richmond because of our traffic, regularly.  

Seems like you have a good foot in the door. 

I feel many new investors shoot themselves in the foot by not approaching their local bank first to test the lending climate.

Mind you, my mother NEVER set foot in the US (except for my graduation and occasional business trips in other parts).