I recently purchased my first duplex in Peoria, AZ in September and I am using it as a house hack where I rent out one side and live in the other.

Are you looking to live in one unit and rent the others? 

It builds wealth and most importantly cuts your expenses and gives you a front row seat at being a landlord.Was the best thing my wife and I ever did.  

I have lived in the US for about 10 years. 

If you plan to buy in your hometown, buy a 2-4 unit, and live in one of the units.

We live in Texas, a community property state, and are 50/50 owners.

Anywhere near Evens has gotten very expensive, so cash flow will be tougher.

My client's living room is completely unbalanced and odd looking because this wasn't done, which I had to hide with some fancy drapery "magic" that was expensive.

The most expensive piece we bought was the La-Z-Boy queen hideabed couch.

Thank you Eric.In addition to the rental properties, my wife and I have a paid off house, paid off car, and about $1.4m in retirement accounts, brokerages, and savings.We live in a HCOL area and our expenses are $9.5k per month even though we live pretty modestly.I set out initially to have real estate pay for at least some of my expenses in order to give me more freedom and financial security.Is your wife quitting too?