Other places will let them stay for years, like CA, if they know how to play the system.Have you talked with the local police about the drug situation? 

If you are only willing to play the game inside that box, real estate investing is going to be difficult for anyone no matter what market you look at.

That being said- this would be a pure cash flow play. The

I will definitely have to play the patience game.It will be some time before getting an additional 20k on the mortgage.

Currently, the cash flow doesn't match how much we put into play. The

taught me about location, house hacking, creative financing, value creation, how to deal with tenants and to play the long game in a high cost of living market.

So you could argue that you really won't pay anything for that debt if you play the long game. 

you need to know the rules before you play the game!!

I don't like them, for a variety of reasons.When I was in corporate America, I was pretty much forced to play the 401K game.  

When downturn hits you in an infinite game this number you have defined and the College education you would have acquired will play the role of torch and show your the path forward.Hope this helps.