But I'll buy in all cities, and I've been having good experiences in Newport News and Franklin also.

That being said, House Hacking is such a great way to start and choosing a multi-unit is something I would have done if I can go back in time.Good news: Illinois is NOT a community property state, so getting married won't hold you back (if you want to put the mortgage in either of your names individually).Easy way for you to calculate what you'll be qualified for: (Gross monthly income) x (57% max FHA DTI Ratio) - (Minimum monthly debt payments that show up on your credit report) = Max Mortgage Payment you can "afford".

With the latest news of State Farm's 'strategic withdrawal' from California, how do you think states will deal with this?

Many out-of-state investors look at Ohio to grow and build their portfolios.It's a growing, landlord-friendly market, and certain cities/pockets provide strong cash flow.https://spectrumnews1.com/oh/columbus/news/2024/01/08/cleveland-columbus-cincinnati-top-10-hottest-markets-https://www.cleveland.com/news/2023/12/ohio-town-ranked-no-1...https://www.fox19.com/2024/02/13/cincinnati-ranked-no-2-by-z...

I have been looking that direction recently too, because I read news another day Honda has built a car-parts plant near Lincoln AL?

Every day I wake up to look at Google News and there is at least one article about Foreclosure, or Fixed Income Tenant can't stay where they have been from before the Covid or the Widow who has lived in the 2/1 house for 50 years cannot pay the increases in Property Tax, Home Owner's Insurance, Lights, Water and everything else.

https://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/news/2024/03/21/city-...

The good news isn’t for home buyers or home sellers.

The economy is thriving in several areas -- pharmaceutical, medical, IT, Distribution centers, manufacturing, government defense, sports, convention center -- a wide variety, so we aren't depending on only one type of industry. 

That's great news Samantha!