The same type of facility can behave very differently depending on where it lands and what else is already in place.Data centers are characterized by extremely high upfront capital, long construction timelines, and very low probability of relocation once built.

But once a park is built right and run efficiently, it starts behaving much more like an income-producing property than people expect.What I find interesting is the tradeoff.

It’s built on payrolls that tend to stay put through downturns.For investors evaluating secondary markets, reports like this reinforce why Huntsville often behaves differently than more volatile metros.

For the first time in a while, we’re seeing a market driven by fundamentals—not panic—and that’s a very different conversation to be having with clients.  30 yr fixed rates are the low 6's or even high 5's, is that enough to get buyers off the fence?

How renters typically behave (all else equal)Larger two-story, zero lot line (4/3.5, no yard)Attracts:Roommate groupsLarger families prioritizing bedrooms over outdoor spaceShorter-to-mid-term rentersRenters trading space for affordability vs luxury apartmentsTrade-offs:Higher wear and tear (stairs, bathrooms, shared living areas)More noise complaints between floorsMore turnover when household composition changesLess emotional attachment to the propertyThis layout rents fast, but it often turns more.Smaller single-story with a small yard (3/2)Attracts:Families with kidsOlder rentersPet ownersLong-term, stability-focused tenantsAdvantages:Single-story living is universally preferred long termYard creates emotional stickiness, even if it’s smallFewer maintenance issues tied to stairs and vertical plumbingLower churn and longer average tenancyThese don’t always rent faster, but they rent longer.What usually performs better as a rentalAcross most suburban and secondary markets:Single-story homes outperform on retentionTwo-story homes outperform on initial rent per square footIf your goal is:Maximum rent today → two-storyLower headaches + longer stays → single-storyVacancy and turnover costs quietly erase a lot of the extra rent from larger homes over time.One important wildcard: HOA and community designZero lot line homes almost always come with:HOA rulesRental capsTenant restrictionsLimited exterior controlThat adds operational risk you don’t fully control.A small private yard, even low maintenance, gives you:More controlFewer compliance issuesBetter tenant satisfactionIf I had to choose one property to hold long term as a rental, with everything else equal:Single-story 3/2 with a small yard wins more often than not.It produces:Longer tenanciesFewer headachesMore predictable performanceThe larger two-story works fine, but it behaves more like a “high-usage asset” than a durable one.

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.

They are what allow you to behave like a professional instead of reacting like an amateur.Another major contributor to equity loss is the lack of consistent, meaningful walkthroughs.

You'll see that coming months in advance and that point you both know you'll be having to prepare to walk away from the partnership.The vetting, the most serious operators I know have and additional layer of vetting beyond what the platforms provide.

Welcome to the community — your background actually translates really well to buy-and-hold and small multifamily investing, especially in a market like Houston.As you dig in, I’d encourage you to pay close attention to how different Houston pockets behave very differently — two properties with the same numbers on paper can perform completely differently depending on tenant profile, age of construction, and local infrastructure changes.

A lender who has an NMLS license will want to keep it and not be looking to behave in a way that could lead to having it revoked.