Courtney — congrats on stepping into the PM leadership role!

Columbus, Ohio, is quietly emerging as one of the strongest examples of this trend.Why Columbus Stands Out for Investors:Affordability with Strong Returns – Home prices remain accessible compared to national averages, while median rents have shown consistent growth, creating favorable rent-to-price ratios.Population and Job Growth – With Ohio State University, a robust healthcare system, and major employers expanding—most notably Intel’s $20B investment—Columbus is attracting new residents at one of the fastest rates in the Midwest.Revitalization and Development – Significant city and private investments are reshaping downtown and surrounding neighborhoods, fueling appreciation and long-term demand.Investor-Friendly Climate – Ohio remains comparatively landlord-friendly, allowing owners to better protect cash flow and streamline operations.Strategic Location – Columbus sits within a day’s drive of 50% of the U.S. population, strengthening its role as a logistics and business hub.The Takeaway: Columbus is no longer just a “stable” Midwest market—it is evolving into a growth-oriented environment where investors can combine cash flow with appreciation potential.

Financing can play a big role in stretching that capital further, so structuring it the right way upfront will help set you up for growth.

That option is still an encumbrance on the lease, but the tenant has to exercise it. 

Financing plays a role.  

A simple partnership agreement outlining roles, responsibilities, capital contributions, profit splits, and exit strategies can save a lot of headaches later.

A basic LLC with an operating agreement that outlines ownership, roles, and how profits will be split is a solid start.

Started working on the exercise above as well this morning.

These two elements often get overlooked in the excitement of deal-making, but they play a critical role in the long-term success and sustainability of your investment journey.A well-thought-out tax strategy helps ensure you're maximizing all available deductions, utilizing the most favorable tax structures, and ultimately keeping more of your hard-earned income.

Great question — you’re right that REP status requires both 750 hours and more time in real estate than in your W-2 role, which makes it tough with a full-time job.