Affordability for the average person is essential, in my opinion. 

You need to make sure you're working with someone whose sending you personalized deal flow that actually meets your buying criteria.

As of October 2024, 75% of remote work employees now have some sort of in-person work requirement, up from 63% in 2023 (Source).

Personally, I would hang on to the cash.  

I've done enough personal home projects to know, if I find a deck company it'll be 2k, but a GC will charge me 2.5k to over see it...

Some will even allow you to hire their maintenance teams on an as-needed basis.TaskRabbit & Thumbtack – While hit-or-miss, these can be useful for small jobs when in a pinch.Additional Considerations for Remote Management:Emergency Plan – Have a go-to person (trusted neighbor, friend, or even a tenant) who can physically check on things in case of an urgent issue.Lease Clauses – Since you’ll be remote, make sure your leases clarify expectations for minor maintenance responsibilities (e.g., tenants handling small fixes like unclogging drains).Vendor Relationships – Set up accounts with appliance repair services, locksmiths, and other key tradespeople so they’re familiar with your properties.Tenant Selection & Retention – With your solid rental history and below-market rents, you’re in a great position to minimize turnover, which is key for remote management.Sell or Hold?

I’m not a former IRS person.

Ask your employer if you can have your pay split up into three deposits, one to investments savings, one to your checking account for personal use on a daily basis, and one to an emergency account you can tap into so you don't have to tap into your investment savings.

I personally will try to avoid buying a home under 1000 square feet again.

Living in one unit and renting out the others allows you to deduct 75% of expenses like mortgage interest, property taxes, insurance, and shared repairs as rental expenses, while the remaining 25% applies to personal use.