However, legal expenses and travel would add up fast on top of the 15k I am already out.

Unfortunately since I am out of state and the previous owner collected the rents door to door, having them continue that way would have me traveling to that location monthly just for rent.

I’m in Knoxville but watch the Nashville market very closely, it’s my wife and my’s favorite city and we travel there often.

I've been traveling for almost 30 years.

Following up on #2, do you think we should also vet travelers?

I choose those other places because I travel a lot for work and I have liked neighborhoods in all of those states. 

By the time everyone starts their career or finishes college, according to my plan I will have multiple multifamily properties generating passive income so I would no longer have to work and continue my goals of starting businesses, being with my family, and the ability to travel where I want anytime I want. 

By the sounds of it, you intend on spending a reasonable amount of time in the state, and so your personal enjoyment of the place is as equal a priority as the investment side.If you think you will be travelling back to Chicago a lot during your time out here, then a front range/summit county location like Jon has suggested might be in your best interest, so you arn't too far from DIA.If, however, your goal is to get far away from the highway, then come and visit us in Telluride! 

The feedback i have gotten is that it is the locals that you need to watch out for -- not the business travelers or vacationers.I recommend you create a small kitchen space in your basement apartment with a bar sink, microwave, small refrigerator and Keurig. 

I’ve travelled to 45 of the 50 United States mostly while I was touring as a professional actor and singer from Seattle to New York.