If you're planning to move around often, I would probably say continue renting while investing in Huntsville (assuming you really understand the dynamics market).

That being said, Zillow is also the primary site in my market for rental searches, especially SFRs, so I have no shortage of tenants seeing my listing when it is available.The one downside, which is minimal, is even though the tenant pays rent through Zillow on first, and I get a notice that rent was paid, it can take 5-ish days to arrive in my bank account.  

Here's an example:Buy: Find a distressed property selling below market value, often through motivated sellers, auctions, or foreclosures.

Might be tough from area to area, but I typically find that homes built before 1950 that were converted from single to multi family are 9 times out of ten - a full gut rehab and way too expensive for first timers.

My units do not turn over often.  

This is often taught as part of spray and pray marketing.

Sellers and agents often inflate prices based on potential income, but like you said, you want to base your investment on what's actually being produced right now.

So, when they ask a question especially something that doesn't necessarily have a right or wrong answer, I often push back to ask them what they think.

@Jason Smith   Bank LO's are often more order taker's then problem solvers.

Often, states will provide child support calculators, which are a great starting tool for those strictly looking for an estimation; these calculators tend not to get into the nitty-gritty of finances, however, as they don’t factor in your specific circumstances.