Think of it like this: if a $2,500 cage prevents a $6,000 compressor replacement or repeated theft, it’s not optional.The simple framework I’d use (so you don’t get wrecked)If you’re chasing $50k–$90k houses, expect higher risk + higher management intensity.If you buy in the $130k–$200k range (often 3/2 brick ranch territory), you usually get a better balance: still cash flow potential, fewer headaches, better tenants, better resale.If you’re new to Columbus, do this before buying anythingSpend one day driving neighborhoods (or do a video drive with a local PM/agent)Underwrite with real numbers:insurance quote in handvacancy (at least 5–8%)repairs/CapEx reservesproperty management (even if you self-manage)Avoid buying your first deal sight unseen.If you want, I can share a quick “starter buy box” by zip code and property type (cash flow vs stability), but the big takeaway is: Columbus can work, just don’t buy the cheapest thing on the map and expect it to behave.

I do have clear objectives around building durable, well-underwritten investments, but I'm intending to get the framework and decision criteria right before setting specific unit count targets or timelines. 

In Sept 2025, I used the settlements from a divorce to purchase a 3/2 SFH with the plan of turning it into a rental in the near future.

I don't think anything has changed. 1) Ensure the borrower has the ability and exit strategy to pay the loan back, 2) Ensure the borrower has a history of paying their bills (we pull credit), and 3) We pay attention to not only the LTV and not overleverage, but we make sure there aren't any significant defects in the collateral (environmental issues, settlement issues, title issues, etc).

I recently won a settlement and have $50,000 cash.

Who selected an end of December settlement date?

Ken's framework is solid and the points about looking beyond the refi moment are crucial.Building on the ARV verification discussion above - the 3-6 comps within half mile and 90 days is the gold standard but it can be hard to find that many matches in some neighborhoods.

The NAR settlement has shifted the process considerably - there's now much more of a deliberate discussion between agents on how this is going to work, and the buyer has to be informed that they could be liable to pay, and everything has to be properly disclosed (all positive changes), but in reality in Los Angeles, nothing i has really changed in my experience.

While the fundamental drivers of housing affordability remain strained, today’s data and the broader macro tone point to a market that remains surprisingly resilient despite geopolitical uncertainty.Addison, Allen, Anna, Azle, Batch Springs, Bedford, Benbrook, Burleson, Cedar Hill, Celina, Cleburne, Colleyville, Coppell, Corinth, Crowley, DeSoto, Duncanville, Ennis, Euless, Farmers Branch, Fate, Flower Mound, Forest Hill, Forney, Glenn Heights, Grapevine, Greenville, Haltom City, Highland Village, Hurst, Keller, Lancaster, Little Elm, Mansfield, Midlothian, Mineral Wells, Murphy, North Richland Hills, Prosper, Red Oak, Rockwall, Rowlett, Royse City, Sachse, Saginaw, Seagoville, Southlake, Terrell, The Colony, Trophy Club, University Park, Watauga, Waxahachie, Weatherford, White Settlement, Wylie, Dallas, Fort Worth, Plano, Irving, Garland, Grand Prairie, McKinney, Frisco, Mesquite, Carrollton, Denton, Richardson, Lewisville, or Arlington

As of this writing, the Dow is down roughly 165 points, while gold is getting clobbered.Addison, Allen, Anna, Azle, Batch Springs, Bedford, Benbrook, Burleson, Cedar Hill, Celina, Cleburne, Colleyville, Coppell, Corinth, Crowley, DeSoto, Duncanville, Ennis, Euless, Farmers Branch, Fate, Flower Mound, Forest Hill, Forney, Glenn Heights, Grapevine, Greenville, Haltom City, Highland Village, Hurst, Keller, Lancaster, Little Elm, Mansfield, Midlothian, Mineral Wells, Murphy, North Richland Hills, Prosper, Red Oak, Rockwall, Rowlett, Royse City, Sachse, Saginaw, Seagoville, Southlake, Terrell, The Colony, Trophy Club, University Park, Watauga, Waxahachie, Weatherford, White Settlement, Wylie, Dallas, Fort Worth, Plano, Irving, Garland, Grand Prairie, McKinney, Frisco, Mesquite, Carrollton, Denton, Richardson, Lewisville, or Arlington