Going out to Alabama means you’ll have to file state income tax there—pain in the butt for $200/mo.A buy box that makes sense for your investment goals.

But 1) I bet you $100 every one of their neighbors has their ac set below 80. 2) when it’s 115 degrees out I guarantee everyone on my block has their ac set below 80, pry below 75. 

Florida has been painful because of the insurance.

I do need to look closer to the airport since that is near where my husband's job will be and would love to reduce his commute which is currently a pain in the butt here in CA.

There are better times like right after 2008 when you could buy up whole blocks for pennies on the dollar. 

If nothing else it's an education and starting block for your journey. 

I thought a block window with a shower insert going right up to it but maybe that’s more expensive and more work than I should be doing.

if you're willing to put up with the pain and inconvenience - moving every 1-3 years, living in the smaller / worse units, DIYing things - you could have a portfolio of 5-20 units in 10 years, just by using your house payment.maybe the house you have would be an OK rental. 

Yes rent control is a pain in *** and there are tenants who haven't paid.

I just tried to post his email but I’m being blocked from doing so, but you can send me a DM and I’ll forward it along.