Adding value to a property and then either selling or refinancing to pull your capital out is a solid way to build momentum, especially if you're okay breaking even on rental income.

Personally I like the Section 8 program when the property is located in a super poor area with a ton of blight and crime.

I need all the friends I can get since I currently only know one person (who I don't really know).

I’ve personally found that specialized property perks can create stable, long-term renters.

Lastly, don’t rush—focus on properties in good locations and with solid potential for both income and appreciation.

I'm an investor here in Columbus OH myself and have seen the city's solid and steady growth with strong economic fundamentals driving the market like major companies moving here (Meta, Intel, Google, Amazon, etc), job growth, and population growth.

The new person must complete an application and pass the screening.

Having watched many prior co-workers get paid, cash their check at the casino, and promptly deposit it all into a slot machine I can tell you with pretty good certainty that casinos don't have a positive effect on disposable income and good use of the existing income in the area surrounding :)Are there solid local employers OTHER than the casino in a 15-minute drive? 

Not worth it if you have to feed the thing.But again, what are your personal goals to investing.

The person they consider having the deep pockets.