With interest rates holding steady (so far) and US Treasury yields hovering in the 4-5% range, many investors are weighing the pros and cons of staying in bonds versus seeking opportunities in real estate.

Just personally, I would never do an absentee landlord kinda thing....Too many moving parts, too much to go wrong and cuts into your profit big-time....Sentimental value is one thing, but not if you end up hating the house down the road.....Stay local, plenty of opportunities in good ole AZ.....

Quote from @John Hu: whatever you do.. stay away from Jefferson Park... especially areas south of the blue line...

So choice is staying stock market and making 15%-20% or buying property and MAYBE breaking even. 

But stay active doing SOMETHING.

If you are going to get your license in Virginia I would plan to stay there for a decent bit(5+ years).

Preferably stay for one year and find another house.

All a mid-term rental is someone staying not permanently but longer than on vacation.

We have told my ex-wife that we are willing to let her stay in the house for a time but she needs to pay rent.

I don't think being a long distance landlord is as easy as some tout but full disclosure I've stayed with 80 miles of my primary residences.