Buy the worst property in the best location you can afford, fix it up to the quality of the surrounding properties, and you can force a lot of appreciation quickly that way.

We can afford this, but getting a new loan at ~6.5%+ wouldn't be doable.

Just be sure you can afford your next project before jumping in. 

At the moment we are left exposed, so to say... but there is probably a commercial option for us - if we can afford it.  

I am a Veteran, so connected to this dream is a means by which Veterans facing homeless can access affordable housing in nature, while working as a team towards a shared project such as cattle or the retreats, or a conference etc.Basically a Village mindset, with connected hubs in other areas of the country and world in a vetted network of individuals (no commune drug parties etc). 

I/my family can afford to wait that long.

For me it boils down to more of a personal decision - can I afford two homes, do I want to have two homes and the stress of it, or just take my money out of one and put it in another.

Lower Entry PointsOne of the standout advantages of secondary and tertiary markets is the more affordable investment entry point.

I think the story across a lot of the upstate is similar, net exodus from 2000-2020, followed by a surprising increase in prices and population growth following the pandemic as people (and companies) searched for affordability. 

She went from having an affordable place to suddenly facing thousands of dollars in unexpected fees.