And by that I mean do you expect to start off and in 5 years real estate creates all the income you need to live and support your family and lifestyle ??

To choose the best rental strategy, research local regulations, lifestyle preferences, market demand, and property features.

can you house hack, or does your lifestyle / family situation not permit it? 

These were not beginning investors, both had decades in the business and had very comfortable lifestyles.

Being more affordable than the southeast, allows us to get in with a better basis and potential for growth as more people seek out affordable places to live with strong lifestyle amenities, and convenient travel available: major industries, all major sports, Delta Hub airport."

We just hate Houston for living and lifestyle but can see that as a potential game changer for investing other than the high taxes and insurance and lack of appreciation compared to Colorado.We are open to other ideas and ways to grow and appreciate any help and feedback possible.

The characteristics defined by the location include:Total capital required: If you can grow your portfolio using accumulated equity by cash-out refinancing, which is only possible in areas with high appreciation, you'll need considerably less capital from your savings.Inflation protection: Whether rents outpace inflation, enabling you to sustain your lifestyle indefinitely, only occurs in cities with significant and sustained population growth.Income persistence: How long your income will last.

At the end of the day the goal should be to make enough to give you an optimum lifestyle but not go overboard and cause yourself more work/hassle if you don't actually need the additional income that comes from it.Increasing the quality of the area/properties should make it easier management wise and if you don't necessarily need the cash flow now could end up ahead in overall return compared to the lower end areas, especially if you use leverage.I think it depends on your source of active income as well and how long you want to continue doing that for.

Others like the low cost of the mid-west and have the, skills, time and energy to manage a project long distance.What strategy to deploy will depend on your goals and what your skills, lifestyle, and capital allow you to accomplish and the balance of those 3.

My verdict: it could be a winning play given your equity and potential upside, but carefully weigh the pros and cons.Crunch the numbers: Factor in all expenses, potential vacancy rates, management costs, and ensure the cash flow covers your mortgage and leaves you with enough buffer.Consider alternative Bay Area locations: Maybe there are suburbs with less pressure on prices but still good rental potential and appreciation prospects.Don't rule out the single-family option: If the numbers work and you value the lifestyle, don't discount it entirely.