Also, check out his podcast...one of the few I have continued to listen to over the years and stays current with good content.

Stay active, keep learning, and get advice from people or pros you trust.Good luck!

Our previous tenant just moved out after 7 years and the new one likely will stay for years.

I am house hacking it, so I will be living there for at least the year minimum, but don't really plan on staying longer than that.

If you are going to stay local and considering a condo, you really have to look at fixer condos and at least 3 bedrooms for it to have potential.

Based on your question and your expectations, stay in index funds.

The help I have provided with a few home remodels has consisted of kitchen and bathroom layouts, flow and functionality, fixtures and finishes of the home, all while trying to stay within budget.  

We also follow-up with the recruiter or HR lead after each stay to tell them what a great experience we had with their employee and to ask them to think of us in the future when they need to place someone in a midterm/corporate lease.

@Jeff Hineswhatever you end up doing i'd stay local. i know the markets you mentioned look tempting, but they have their own challenges - for example, the midwest housing stock is very old and often has severe deferred maintenance. 

Stay focused on your goals, and best of luck on your journey in real estate!