That’s a huge advantage.Totally agree on property management being a make-or-break factor.

I mean by safest is on the volatility, for example STRs have many different factors, seasons of the year, local government regs and much more.

Look at factors like proximity to jobs, schools, transportation hubs, etc.

Factor 8%-10% for a reliable property manager (use AllPropertyManagement.com).After that, you're golden.

Now that I have a stable income and the drive, I want to finally pursue my curiosity for Real Estate. 

Also, factor in potential interest rate changes if the HELOC isn’t fixed.

Financing is important but your realtor will absolutely be the determining factor whether you purchase correctly or not. 

Some other factors to consider - How long are you planning to hold this property?

To do this, they have a team consisting of an inspector, a makelaar, and renovation professionals.However, as Ken M. mentioned, having someone trustworthy there to manage everything would also be a key factor.

However, the suitability of buying and renting out a single-family home in Richmond can depend on various factors, such as market trends, rental demand, and property values (similar case with all markets, really.)Chatting with a local agent in the area can provide very helpful insights into the market, data, and specific neighborhoods.