Quote from @Dominic Mazzarella: I know how you feel because I was in a similar situation about a decade ago.

I've read J Scott's Books on flipping and gone through the Youtube rabbit hole but I feel like I'm missing a piece.

I've got a lot of problems with the Mayor, but this, I feel was a great move.

So much fan love sounds and feels extremely odd.

Being nearby allows you to stay hands-on—you can see, touch, and fully immerse yourself in the process.There’s a lot to learn, not just about managing rentals but also about overseeing property management companies.Handling tenants and maintenance can feel overwhelming at times, but starting with a property close to home gives you the opportunity to gain valuable experience.

Run through some of the features you will need like setting up a property, moving in a tenant, receiving rent payments, and publishing online applications.Pay attention to which platform feels the best to you as you perform these functions.

I have been reading many books on finances, rentals, and real estate and feel this is an area I can have more "control" over my investment rather than placing it all in my 401k and hoping for the best. 

Even if a property cash flows $500 per month usually this cash flow will be eaten up (when a tenant moves out, when something breaks, etc. )And I am asking other people for their experience, if they feel the same wayOK. 

We have about 1/3 to 1/2 of a down saved at the moment, have a 755 Credit score, and are feeling good.

The sale of our home will provide us with approximately $150,000 to allocate toward investments.At this stage, we feel most comfortable focusing on long-term rentals.