You may also want to check the Columbus OH market - great macroeconomics with lots of job and population growth along with major companies developing here that drive strong rental demand. 

I bought a 3 Bedroom SFH in Cahokia Heights, IL on April 2024 and it is STILL NOT RENTED TODAY.I bought for $79k convinced by the Section 8 mentor Tom Cruz to buy from his team and to focus on cashflow vs. appreciationI went through 3 contractors that all did a subpar job and just barely got it all togetherI haven't been able to find an appropriate Property Management team to help on this side of ILI have it listed for rent (Zillow, Turbotenant, Fb, Craigslist) for about 3-4 weeks now since repairs were done.If anyone has any suggestions to get this rented ASAP I would greatly appreciate it and any Property Management connections that can help would be amazing as well.Thank you all for your time and Happy Holidays & Happy New Year Ouch. 

Otherwise, you can never attain financial freedom because rents will not outpace inflation.How long your rental income lasts depends on job growth in the investment city.Non-government jobs are inherently temporary.

I have better things to do with my time (like never being on the phone unless it's a scheduled call). 

I work a full time job at a wood shop building custom cabinetry.

Year 1, I intend to keep my W2 job while i work to get my small business going.

.: It's not an issue IF their lease is scheduled to expire.My personal practice: when a tenant submits an application, I let them know I intend to contact their former landlords.

i would:-get the highest paying W2 job you can-save up enough to buy a house hack-house hackwhile you continue to learn and consider the other possibilities you mentioned.

If you like your job, and your goal is to create long term wealth through equity then keep the property, fix it up over time, and in the future you will be able to rent it out for profit.

It's your job to create a buffer between the tenants before they start fighting as well.