I have a 1/1 and a 2/1 and although I'm seeing lots of different types of travelers, the ones who have been booking my place have all been traveling medical professionals.

And as for a multi, I'd argue it's best to build, not buy, especially if going out to the NW "burbs".

How are they coming up with a security deposit and a months rent and moving costs for a new apartment?

I am pretty averse to that type of liability due to having significant assets and a strong W2. 2.

I look at it as what are my other options, where can I earn more BUT and a big but that most ignore, what is the risk profile of the investment?

My friend said his client nearly bailed when she found unexpected wiring issues behind the kitchen walls..apparantly the seller hadn’t touched that electrical since the Reagan era..but with a patient electrician who understood the local code and a carpenter who improvised a shelving trick in the diningrom, they ended up selling above asking.Flipping and building can get tricky, especially once you start thinking bigger.

No specific reason, just seems like cities that are trending upward and a price point I can potentially cashflow and appreciate with.

I am not spending $40k on their next step, but this looked like a good investment ($1500 and a money back offer).

You'd qualify for a hard money loan if you have a solid deal and a partner with experience. 

I have a rental property in Idaho and a decent home is upwards of $400k, but rent is maybe around $2,000.