This is the breakdown:2 tenants on month to month leases ~$250-$350 less than market1 long term tenant (15yrs) is now on month to month lease and is paying $1500 less than marketAfter consulting with a couple of people and doing some research, it sounds like anything over a I should apply banking rent raise and submit a 60 day notice (all of these units fall into that category).

I think there is definitely a couple strategies at play here for you and your family. 

With $170k to deploy you most likely will have that all in one, maybe two deals, if it doesn’t go well you could end up way worse off.That said, if there are other factors like the property is a huge pain to manage or you are worried the neighborhood may actually get worse or you know you need a new roof in a couple years, then I’d consider selling.Also, even though you said it’s not a high appreciating area, do you think 1-2% is fair?

My girlfriend and I are newbies in the RE investing world, and would love to build a network with like minded couples!

Appreciation is good in TX but I’m breaking even the first couple years when I buy here.

I also don't understand why you would want to tie up your cash so long without the benefits of owning the properties.The scenario of you buying a few now and the rest in a couple years seems to be the most appealing for you both, why are you adverse to that?

LMHA gets a staff of a couple dozen people and a big budget to be bureaucratic, the tenant gets cost effective safe housing, and we get steady rent checks)Does anyone else have these issues???

For me, start with either the property who's lease expiry is furthest out in the future OR property that has seems like it will be easiest to manage.3) From what I have heard, rent has really moved upward in GVSC - I'd call a couple RE Agents or property managers that have rental listings in the area and tell them your situation / ask them to send you closed rental comps.

I have a couple of MFs in AL, some in Birmingham. 

Went well, there were a couple hiccups but they worked hard to overcome them and it turned out alright.