I would recommend spending your morning commute listening to BP podcast or BP daily podcasts for microlearning, grab a BP book that piques your interest and read a bit every night before bed.

In many places, daycare costs, commuting, office clothes, taxes, meal prep, all take up a working person's full income when you switch to going back to the office.

- How long would be your commute?

Are you living in Aspen now or are you commuting from down valley?

The Jade District has great public transit and biking access, but with the proximity to 205, the neighborhood can appeal car commuters, and I wouldn't want to lose them from the outset. 

It's slightly less expensive than Redding but a very short commute so it's a great place for starter homes, too.

I also think people are looking to commute less with their kids, especially in elementary school and therefore want the local elementary school to be good enough.

I use to listen on my commute, lunch break, or at the gym and really got into BP and would subsequently try to play matchmaker with my wife and the many different podcasts that I felt would fit her interests.

But, it's very commutable, and a lot of people working in Reno (especially South Reno) actually live in Carson City because it's cheaper. 

For funding, explore options like FHA loans, personal savings, or creative financing, and focus on New Jersey markets that align with your goals, such as Newark for rentals or commuter towns for house hacking.