If it's in the not too distant future, it might be worthwhile to take the extra $100 in rent, a hefty deposit, and then not renew.

I'm in Leucadia and will be taking a little drive down the coast in the not to distant future seeking existing and potential locations. 

Do you think the prices will rise in Texas and North Carolina in near and distant future?

I believe that in the near future, China will be the new superpower and we'll be a distant #2.

I worry about trying to scout/buy/manage a property that is in a distant location, especially as my first purchase, since I'd like to get some hands on experience in my 'beginner phase.' 

We'll have one in the not-too-distant future on the BiggerPockets Podcast . . . we don't have any yet, though.

You have two strong options and your personal preferences may prevail (for example, if you know you don't want to be distant owner, I would look at selling).

Also like you, the crazy market here has me exploring distant opportunities.Looking forward to following your journey!

If you buy-and-hold forever you have to make estimates for extremely distant cash flows and what the key variables will be.

If you figure it out, please let me know well before it happens.Although if they add in higher taxes (for the so called rich), increased inflation (everyone enjoys this), and more corporate layoffs (inevitable when they raise taxes) we could see more serious problems in the not so distant future.But hey, more people will qualify for public housing, food stamps, "free" health care, etc...