Naturally you are in the worst roofing season imaginable - your good roofers are sitting on a beach enjoying the down season while the junky ones are making super low bids to try to keep their utilities on...bidding jobs that I strongly suspect aren't going to be quality work simply with the cold weather making things innately difficult.Can you patch and limp along till Spring?

If the opportunity exists to move, I would probably sell the properties while you've got a little equity and invest that money in a market that can weather a downturn.

Anecdotally, I am one of the folks that moved to Atlanta for a great job opportunity, good weather, and endless outdoor activities that Atlanta (and Georgia in general) have to offer.

Look for low property taxes/insurance, no state income tax, no destructive weather, and a live and let live attitude people are moving towards.

Dry drainage flows through middle of property during weather.  

Good for you, I bet the weather is much nicer in NC than it is in Columbus right now.  

I am particularly inclined towards Gatlinburg, TN which is largely recession resistant and has pretty amazing cashflow on their AirBnB cabins.

@Linda S.Thank you so much for your input.My update said the applicant didn't work out, which was not due to the dog.While I understand what you're saying, thankfully our weather don't usually get to those temperatures.As for our dogs, I highly doubt they were miserable as they had more than adequate open play area, designated droppings area, dog houses, dog pools, toys etc and we interacted with them when we got home plus they were allowed to go run off into the woods and had 14 acres of land to play with.With that said, this would have been a temporary situation, with an end date prior to harsh summer or winter, until the Tenant was able to afford more long term permanent solution.I had also said there was a backyard for the dog to be with its owner and they could have also used the back covered porch.Thanks again and I am happy I am a part of this awesome diverse community.

@Ashley White ,  you dont claim any income or loss when you purchase a property ( weather or not seller financing, the seller should be worried about the gain). 

I have considered moving all the way to south Carolina (for housing market and weather) but I also want to consider places closer to long island so I can stay more connected with my family and friends.