My Life-Changing Decision

[Andy Okamoto]

Hey all!

I'm Andy, a recent University of Utah Computer Science graduate and now a full-time, 100% remote software engineer. I bought my first house-hack SFH property in Sandy, Utah in 2022 where I currently reside.

I am now 22, single and have enough saved for another down payment (targeting small multi-family). The combination of interest rates + high prices is making me consider moving to a more affordable market. Although my income is great for my first job out of college, I've talked to a couple lenders in Salt Lake City and got the feeling my salary (~85k) will not be enough without bringing a larger (~20%) downpayment. This larger downpayment would require me to liquidate stocks which I am not too keen of doing at the moment.

As an active listener of the BiggerPockets podcast, I'm well aware that midwest markets like Indianapolis, Cleveland, etc. are the "top" markets these days in terms of current growth + affordability. I am very interested in potentially moving/buying in these markets next to universities or areas with high job growth potential.

I am looking for advice/direction on what you would do in my position. My current 10 year goal is to get to 10k a month in cash flow. I greatly appreciate all responses and will take each into careful consideration.

Best,

Andy Okamoto