I lived in NC for a while and work heavily work with realtors/investors in the area.

I have a client house hacking in Hoboken who bought for a bit over $1.3m - they live in the top duplex 2/1.1 and rent the bottom duplex 2/1.1 as an MTR now and probably will make 4k/month.

I don't care what anyone online says if you live there and have tenants at your home it will be a job. 

Good afternoon,I am seeking help obtaining market data to calculate the cost of living and estimate rental expenses in the US. 

For instance, someone making $500k a year and living in a very highly appreciating market might be extremely happy on a deal that loses $200 a month but is getting 5% appreciation on a 2 million dollar property in San Diego, butut that doesn't make sense for the investor with 30k and a lower paying job.When it comes to the book series I agree with you that the order doesn't make sense (having read both).

I know how you feel coming from California, I used to live in San Diego.

I'm also considering a separate living room space or maybe some kind of artist studio. 

Its the less aggressive model but it was programed into me from a young age, keep your business risk separate from the things that you need to live (home, car, food, etc.). 

There is nothing that replaces a live conversation with someone who has already built that trust with the sponsor over time.

And, on top, thanks for teaching us how to live and party!