But still trying to conceptualize how to incorporate ongoing expenses/interest payments and loan paydown into that equation to get a more holisitic image before deciding where to live

With challenging market conditions, investors are forced to get creative.

Perhaps some of these amenities come later (schools, retail/commercial) but selecting markets that have the capabilities of incorporating these features is a good start.

Bummer....I was really excited about that, I guess I will have too get creative.

We manage 100 rentals, mostly STR.Two options to consider. 1) With that low interest rate, it opens up possibilities to net a larger sales price with creative finance strategies like “Wrap” or “Subto.”2) You could sell and reinvest that $200k net into something that yields a stronger rental return, while enjoying the same appreciation over the next 10-20 years for the family legacy.

Honestly I don't want them to sell this apt, it brings in steady cash flow for them.One suggestion - buy the apartment with creative financing from your parents [Let them be the bank].

When you want to expand you can move into fix and flips or creative financing.

If not I would start there, but also look into creative finance.

Are you looking to incorporate the BRRRR strategy and expand your real estate portfolio? 

Closing had some hurdles...but they had a vision for their portfolio (and within reason) were willing to get creative and stayed tenacious when the transaction got challenging.