But one thing I did and continued to do over the years was to make sure I owned a home on the SF peninsula Massive tax free appreciation can make up for some boneheaded 20s financial decisions  LOL

If so that's great, and if not maybe it would be worth seeing if you can find a duplex to purchase, sell one of the single family homes and 1031 exchange the profits into the purchase of your duplex which saves you from paying massive taxes on the sale of the property and puts it right into the multi unit that you are buying.

If you're looking for massive appreciation then I'd say save up 2-3x more and buy in a primary market, but if monthly cash flow, mortgage paydown, and slow/boring equity accumulation is what you want...the midwest is where it's at.

Given the massive military presence there, I would recommend making your initial focus on renting to other military if the BAH numbers work out for what you need.

A little background of the situation for context:A partner and I have been brought onto a development project in a massively growing market in Colorado.

Massive mixed-use community promises new level of density, amenities south of AustinThe project is slated to have about 2,500 residences, 150,000 square feet of retail space, 250,000 square feet of offices and 35 acres of parkland and trailsNotable here that the corridor between Austin and San Antonio is gaining attention for long term prospects.  

This is due to a massive amount of out of state and foreign buyers buying up investment properties.  

The building needs all new windows & doors and has a massive mold problem. 

A 70% increase is massive for a renter to absorb.

Don't winterize and end up with a massive plumbing bill.