Or would you be open to other areas not mentioned that may be more affordable? 

Texas boasts affordability and business-friendly policies, but lacks some cultural amenities.It depends on your priorities!

Will look to refi next year and get all our cash back (have 1 year left on generous seller financing)Failure: still battling a tenant eviction industrial property, costing me money (I can afford) but time and my energy (not a great use)A ha moment: just to focus on higher equity slugs into fewer deals, the law firm is #1 for me2025 goal: complete exit, closing Jan 9, keep making offers, grow the law firm with less billables

If the tenant is truly struggling due to a life event, the sooner we can work together to get her somewhere she can afford (and not have an eviction or negative credit report on record), the better for all.

Affordable housing is RED-hot at this time, especially if it's decent 3br+ housing sub $2k.   

I still believe affordable housing is a great investment. 

Instead:401(k) loans: They’re low-interest, and you’re paying yourself back.Roth rollovers If you can afford the taxes now, this gives future flexibility.Creative financing: I’ve seen clients leverage partnerships or seller financing to limit retirement fund withdrawals.One thing to consider: real estate markets today are vastly different from a decade ago.. so opportunities may require extra creativity.Have you looked into specific deals yet?

Section 8  rates (and lower) will also give you a rough idea of what your market rent will be.Yours is an object lesson in the mistake of buying what you can afford up front rather than what is a good opportunity.People just starting out should only buy local, that they themselves can inspect and get a feel for.

People carry too much debt and even if the debt was forgiven or paid off, incomes don't match affordability. 

If you can't afford a system, then partner with someone that does.5.