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

Well, for software, I would like to stay under $300. 

Also, if I recall Texas law (oops, see above) it’s only state that I think imposes a statutory stay on foreclosures pending probate.

Can you stay where you are?

@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. 

Keep studying and stay creative!

I have considered renting by the room but think it might make managing all the tenants difficult so I have tried to stay away from that option

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.

I believe that she would have stayed with him if she had not been paid to leave him.Tuff topic I know.

Constantly manage bookkeeping and cash flow to make sure you stay on budget and/or make adjustments when (not if) things come up to stay on track.