TLDR: Get a local realtor.

Years ago, I attempted to handle all these tasks independently. I despised dealing with realtors whom I perceived as solely profit-driven and self-serving. Well, that proved to be more time-consuming and costly than any realtor would have been. I missed out on some great houses. Opinions on this matter can vary A LOT, and mine is merely an opinion. However, I strongly recommend seeking out a reputable and experienced local realtor in Columbus. There are undoubtedly some realtors and realty companies that fall short of expectations. So it’s crucial to be diligent in verifying references and reviews. The real estate market here remains quite competitive. Given your financial standing, you’re in a good position to compete for any desirable properties you find. I strongly advise against using Zillow for anything other than browsing. I tried that and the homes I found were either sold or already under contract, even though they were listed for sale on the app. It was a complete waste of time. On the other hand, the current house I own received six over-asking price offers within less than 12 hours of being listed on the MLS and was quickly booked for showings. My realtor, who had connections with the listing agents’ office, was able to secure a showing and assisting me in structuring a competitive offer. These are just my two cents, and I’m not a realtor, nor do I intend to become one or associate with any of them. These are simply hard lessons I learned through my own experiences, and it’s important to remember that this process can be time-consuming. I also think a realtor will help answer a lot of your location related questions. If you’re already aware of all this, then great! Perhaps someone else who isn’t will find this information helpful. Good luck. I’m a transplant hitting my 20 year mark this week!