If you want to manage your own properties, I would highly recommend buying within an hour of your primary.

I'm considering buying a small single family home near a hospital in the Midwest to turn into a MTR, and trying to decide if it's worth the investment to furnish vs. going straight to LTR.

Our lot is fenced in and we cannot see where he lives but close enough to be of concern, but we want to stay in the same town until the kids are finished school.So, my question is this, would it make sense to rent our home (roughly $2300-2500/mo. as per real-estate agent claims), with the stipulation that the garage is used for my business AND buy a home nearby?

Highly recommend you DM @Samuel Eddinger and buy him lunch to pick his brain!

that OR consider buying a property you could short-term rent to people who literally just want to visit the casino if it's a large/decent one. 

Those that preach no/low down payments are mostly just trying to appeal to the masses who want everything for nothing that will buy their courses.

Are you considering moving to the market where you buy your next property?

Steven, I wanted to get your thoughts on a few Philadelphia suburbs based on my buy box.

@Samuel Coronado - the challenge is that there will likely be a very small number of renters looking for a house that size, as well as that can afford a rent amount that high who won't just buy otherwise. 

But an investment-focused agent brings way more to the table than just writing offers.Finds off-market deals you’d never see on Zillow.Negotiates beyond price—think seller credits, better terms, and saving you $$$.Spots risks & hidden costs so you don’t get burned.Thinks long-term—helps you buy with appreciation, rental income, and future wealth in mind.Has key connections to lenders, contractors, and off-market opportunities.If you’re looking at this as an investment, the right agent doesn’t just cost you—they make you money.