I lived in LA for a decade and we have many friends, family, clients and community members suffering and send our sincerest condolences to all of those experiencing and affected this tragedy. 

I don't do this for a living and have no real world experience, but at 40% down, even with a 7% int rate, that seems like a high monthly payment.

If your medical condition qualifies as a disability and your current living situation isn't suitable, you might have grounds to break your lease without penalty.'

Hey Aishan, I personally own 12-doors in Detroit and I live in California.

Having a long-term rental while living abroad is do-able.Flipping houses while abroad, in my opinion, more difficult, especially if its your first go around with real estate.I would recommend taking a flight and staying in the area for a week and inspect the neighborhoods and make connections.You can reach out to @Elenis Camargo who has a PM company in Jacksonville.Best of luck though.

Our plan is to live in one side and update the other side before renting out again.

Quote from @Brendan Doherty': I’ve read in books of people getting past having to live in the property they own so they can rent all units year one of ownership(living on the property with an rv).

That’s because the longer someone has lived in their house, the more that home’s value has grown, which directly increases equity.And if you’re one of those people who’s been in their home for 10 years or more, know this – according to NAR:“Over the past decade, the typical homeowner has accumulated $201,600 in wealth solely from price appreciation.”The Benefits of Having Home EquityWhat does that mean for you?

buy a small multi and live in the smaller unit. 

If you plan to live there in the winters, you might have a hard time doing long term rental outside of that and finding a new tenant every summer.