There is a great group of people that regularly attend and I am sure you will get some questions about the Columbus market so you will fit right in.

Further, I make very little money on my regular job, so my debt to income ratio disqualifies me for conventional financing.

However, it's true that I have a great fear of not earning enough fast enough and regular conforming rates rising too high for my sweet spot for new purchases.  

In this process I keep investors from out of town posted on developments however regularly they want them. 

I love Airbnb and think it is a great service for both guests and hosts, but I really don't think it works for those people just wanting to rent their personal residence when they are out of town or for special events. 

This will drastically mitigate your risk, while also allowing you to diversify across multiple properties, as well as having a regular stream of selling and buying cycles.

I started hosting some investor meetups as well if you ever have the interest in coming down checking one out.

From what I can determine, these folks are working a regular job with personal houses, families, etc. and aren't rolling in dough.So BP, how do these individuals do this?

You should check out the weekly BiggerPockets Webinar hosted by yours truly!

It is just easier with a partner who is also local who can view the property with me on a regular basis as well as help with purchasing materials, etc.