Additionally, we have equity of approximately $145,000.Now, we are faced with a dilemma: should we sell our current property and purchase in a more favorable neighborhood, or should we rent the house and let it pay for itself.We would greatly appreciate any advice you may have.

My last note would be to try to buy 3 or less replacement properties, it makes the exchange much easier and you avoid some additional rules.

In addition, the debt of each state is crippling.

Quote from @Zach Howard: Quote from @V.G Jason: Quote from @Zach Howard: @V.G JasonTo someone just starting out (only option of OOS) who can get access to 200k, but no additional financing at this time but an additional 50-100k max in reserve cash, where might you recommend they start - markets/property type/strategy?

So you have some great resources right off the bat, my additional Referrals would be too many :)

These are professionals with additional training and a stricter code of ethics.

My best advice is find a place that has a few rooms with square footage to add additional rooms and an ADU.

Here are additional comments:1) Buying out of state removes any local knowledge you have from assisting in your success, including knowing areas, people and costs. - We always recommend buying your first rental locally if possible and DIY managing to learn as much as possible before investing OOS.2) Lots of crooks and incompetents in the PMC world:( They both cost you money.- As already stated, you'll have a small portfolio.

Additionally, we have developed templates for tracking key metrics that we require our PMs to fill out weekly. 

I see price reductions daily.