This trend will gradually increase over the next four years.

Here are the Stats and trends for Columbus https://learn.roofstock.com/blog/columbus-oh-real-estate-market.

While we have seen what happened in 2007/2008, it is often questioned, how will this affect real estate investors and the housing market if history was to repeat itself.After speaking with many investors, watching the market trends, and looking at the history, this question is one of the most concerning questions for Real Estate Investors.

Trends with pre-foreclosures and foreclosures before they hit the market can be a great deal especially if the previous owner paid down the loan a significant amount. 

That being said, I’d invest capital long term in NC based on its current situation and how it’s trending. 

We all understand that, however, it’s usually left unclear as to what exactly a “good” location looks like, as opposed to a bad location.When we speak of location, it’s important to understand that there are three types of locations that you have to pick well:StateRegionNeighborhoodAfter analyzing thousands of Real Estate deals across the US in many different markets, and seeing many, many points of data and trends where Real Estate investments made the most money, I’ve come to the conclusion that when it comes to choosing the right state, region, and neighborhood to invest in, one of the the most important, if not the most important, is to focus on Population Growth.

She is the most diligent agent I have worked with on numbers, and provides her research on comps and trends in the listing notes to educate other agents.

Also educate yourself on what things are renting at, trends of neighborhoods, where the inventory is, etc.

If I were in your shoes, I would focus on an area with a higher population and positive demographic trends.  

Knowing more about the RE process and Construction trades will give you a huge leg up over your competition so anything you can learn is important.Don't rely on Realtors and the MLS/Zillow/Etc....drive around neighborhoods you're interested in and ask questions, pay attention to trends.