Basically it makes us feel 'comfortable'... if that word is allowed to be used to describe real estate investing.However, for out of state, we find ourselves feeling helpless with what we view as unpredictable markets (fluctuating values, and therefore fluctuating equity positions), long vacancy times (in the Springs, our houses get rented in a week or two, max), and of course, not being able to stop in and physically check out the property and talk with the tenants to mitigate any of their concerns (without having to play telephone through the PM).Basically what I am getting at, is that I am not sure if I just have rose-colored glasses with Colorado Springs due to it being a hot market at this point in time (and when we entered the market), or if others feel the same way in that Colorado Springs has a lot to offer in terms of it having a stable (and foreseeably strong) economy, decent price/rent ratios, and all around good investment potential for a long-term view.  

It'd be great if I didn't have to stretch it out to 2 years just because how much I'm itching to take off, but the future is always unpredictable and I should definitely be good financial standing before I get ready to take on this journey. 

I don't know much about AirBnB but it seems like it would be a bit more unpredictable and we're looking for steady monthly income.As for "low rent" I didn't mean second rate or anything like that, I was just trying to keep my words short.

Matter of fact, there are unpredictable occurrences that can happen. 

I don't mind being patient and waiting for approvals but the unpredictability of neighbors does scare me. 

From my job as a property manager, I know that maintenance costs can be highly unpredictable.

I honestly think Lawrence could be the true up and comer if they could ever get a handle on their unpredictable politics/ dysfunctional local government.

"Floor structure had a represented number of non-standard beam and joist supports... their long-term ability to maintain support is unpredictable"

Fiscal responsibility is really tough when you get into investments that could require unpredictable and unending cash infusions.  

I am not accustomed to posting personal information but it may help and it piggybacks off David's post above.I do not have time to follow the stock market as much as I would like and even when I did when I was younger, I found it irrational, unpredictable and out of my control.