Our 2/1.5s are often rented by a single traveling medical professional who just wants extra space and can afford it.We'll see as time goes on.  

There are still MANY medical professionals using FF since it's the OG of this kind of site.

You want the flexibility to access your money sooner.4) Tax Benefits from Real Estate: When you invest in real estate, you can take advantage of depreciation and losses to reduce your taxable income today.

Or rent for less long term.IF I can make this Lake Front property a successful 30 day furnished rental, it will allow help pay for my parents care in assisted living, and reduce the draw down on their savings (and preserve my inheritance). 

Real estate can be an amazing tool for reducing taxes.

This is important because you should have an idea of which locations you'll be able to cashflow a property versus the neighborhoods where it may not be about a positive cashflow it may just be about reducing your mortgage by having tenants.Bottom line- Start your journey by researching the market before you move there so when it's time to pull the trigger you'll be making smart offers

I work in a medical field and there's always a shortage. 

I try to be courteous and spend tens of hours into my tax prep before I ever send them off to reduce the time and frustration of the person preparing my returns.

rather than drastically reducing the price and not profiting much?

If a seller does not have to sell, they will simply wait for better times before they reduce the price on their home.