Experienced investors will want to help you if you show initiative, drive, and genuine interest.

I could be wrong about that, but it's just the sense I get driving around the area and seeing the appeal of the different places.But if I went for a third, I may try to get something close to Gatlinburg or Dollywood to diversify the portfolio.Regarding cleaners, we actually stayed in a cabin that your cleaner cleaned when we were in the area a few months ago.

Then you could do some direct mail in which you send letters or postcards to properties that are on your pre-foreclosure or absentee owner list.You could also drive the neighborhoods you're interested in, write down addresses of houses that appear to have deferred maintenance and send letters to those addresses as well.Good luck on your investing journey!

The economy drives rates, not the other way around.

But if you don't feel comfortable driving though the area during the day, that is a pretty good indicator.

Thank you Robert that is great and I have been very conservative with estimates which drives down the COC.

I can tell you I bought a $37,500 SFR on Evers Drive on 12-03-2010, put $6,400 in, rented for $850, and sold for $60,500 on 04-28-2014.

In Columbus, we have countless area-market pages for listings/agents (such as Dublin and Hilliard OH Homes for Sale and Rent page), so those too could be valuable to make a presence on.Also, Consider establishing your own personal (Broker) content-consistent Facebook page/profile that will drive clients to you from the Cinci group, etc. 

Ideally I'd like to invest somewhere that is within driving distance from DC (within 4-5 hour drive or so).. this is likely my newbie insecurity but I'd like to be able to get to the property on relatively short notice in case of an emergency.. at least until I gain some experience.

Apperently their appraisal was mostly just a drive by to verify the property for the most part.2.