Hello, I’m mainly interested in single family and want to stay in my local area (Tucson Az) mostly because I’m here and I know this local market fairly well.

I’m actually at my place right now doing some maintenance after a guest stayed for 2 months.

I think you can accomplish it, but you would want to check the inventory in the area for MTR because most MTR will want to stay privately.

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

@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. 

If you need to leave in less than a year, you need a really good reasonbecause Fannie/Freddie/FHA/VA and other secondary market makers don't like foryou to get owner occupied loans and then not stay in the property.

Staying on track with timelines was crucial to avoid unnecessary holding costs.

Pad Split tends to have shorter stays. 

My goal would be to secure my first property by 2025, reinvest in 3-4 properties by 2028, and refine systems for scalability by 2029, using tech tools to stay organized and effective.Good luck!

Numbers get inflated by international students who are not, on majority, buying homes or staying past their schooling.